Blue Angel Juvenile (Holacanthus bermudensis)
Max Size: 15 inches (1 foot 3 inches)
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution. May eat soft polyps
Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
The Blue Angelfish, also known as the Common Angelfish, has an aqua hue with a yellow shimmer and yellow edges on the fins and scales, but lacks the distinctive blue crown and highlights of the Queen Angelfish. Juvenile Blue Angelfish have a yellowish-brown body color and pale blue striping. A minimum tank size of 250 gallons with ample hiding places is necessary for this somewhat aggressive fish, which should be the only angelfish in the tank. Not a good reef dweller, the Blue Angelfish may nip at sessile invertebrates.
Like all angelfish, the Blue Angelfish is hermaphroditic, difficult to breed in an aquarium, and lacks distinguishing markings between males and females. Their diet should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, other meaty items, and live rock for grazing.
When purchasing Blue Angelfish, small juveniles may have juvenile coloration or be in the process of transitioning to young adults, while medium-sized fish are sub-adults and large specimens have adult coloration.