Passer Angelfish

Passer Angelfish

Description of the Passer Angelfish
The Passer Angelfish is also known as the King Angelfish due to its size. It is not a recommended choice for the reef aquarium as it will damage coral by trying to eat it! It need plenty of rocks, these are used as hiding places and also as a food source (algae). It differs from other species of Angelfish as its coloring completely changes as it matures from a juvenile to an adult.

Profile of the Passer Angelfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Passer Angelfish species.

• Size: Up to 25cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1-8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Dried, Frozen and Live food

• Temperament: Good Community Fish

• Habitat: Reef Dwellers at depths of up to 30m

• Behaviour: Like other Angelfish they are aggressive to their own species

• Range: Western Atlantic: Brazil to Florida and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil

Scientific Classification of the Passer Angelfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Holacanthus passer

• Popular Name: Passer Angelfish - King Angelfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Pomacanthidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Passer Angelfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Passer Angelfish slimy?
Passer Angelfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Passer Angelfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Passer Angelfish have gills?
Gills enable the Passer Angelfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Passer Angelfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Passer Angelfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Passer Angelfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Passer Angelfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Passer Angelfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Passer Angelfish