French Angelfish

French Angelfish

Description of the French Angelfish
The French Angelfish is also referred to as simply 'Angelfish' as it is the largest Angelfish in the family Pomacanthidae. They are monogamous and the pair will aggressively defend their territory. Like other angels, the coloring of the juvenile varies vastly from the adult fish. The picture above shows a juvenile French angelfish, the body is black with yellow bands. The adult has a black body but the edges of its fins are yellow, it has a white chin, the outer part of the eye is yellow and there is a thin blue rim around its eye. The French angelfish is eaten, it is commonly sold at fish markets.

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

• Size: Up to 41cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1-8.4 Temp 25-27 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Sponges, Algae, Mysis Shrimp, Prepared Marine Food

• Temperament: Aggressive and Territorial towards other Angelfish

• Habitat: Shallow reefs at depths of up to 100m

• Behaviour: Usually found in pairs, will both defend their territory

• Range: Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Eastern Atlantic

Scientific Classification of the French 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: Pomacanthus paru

• Popular Name: French Angelfish - Angelfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Pomacanthidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a French 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 French Angelfish slimy?
French Angelfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the French 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 French Angelfish have gills?
Gills enable the French 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 French 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 French Angelfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

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

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

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

Interesting Facts and Information about French Angelfish