Fin's Fish Guide
The Angelfish (Chelmon rostratus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Western Pacific; rocky coasts, coral reefs and silty inner reefs, also estuaries.
Description
The copperband butterflyfish is a butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, white, disc-shaped body with four orange (copper-coloured) vertical bands and an eyespot at the rear of the dorsal fin that misleads predators. Characteristic is the very long, tweezer-like snout, with which it picks food from narrow crevices of rock and coral. It occurs along rocky shores, coral reefs, estuaries and silty inshore reefs, often solitarily or in pairs. As an omnivore it feeds on small invertebrates, worms and coral polyps. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angelfish?
The Angelfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Very long, tweezer-like snout and a deceptive eyespot on the dorsal fin.
Where does the Angelfish live?
The Angelfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; rocky coasts, coral reefs and silty inner reefs, also estuaries.
How big does the Angelfish get?
The Angelfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Angelfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Angelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Angelfish edible?
The Angelfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chelmon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Angelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.