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Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) — Pomacanthidae

Bandit angelfish

Apolemichthys arcuatus
Family: Pomacanthidae

The Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
12.0–183.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii

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Description

The bandit angelfish is an angelfish (Pomacanthidae) endemic to the waters around Hawaii. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a white to grey-white body with a conspicuous broad, black-edged band running from the snout over the eye to the tail, like a bandit's mask. As a reef-dweller it lives on deeper rocky and coral reefs and eats mainly sponges and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bandit angelfish?

The Bandit angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly white.

Where does the Bandit angelfish live?

The Bandit angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii

How big does the Bandit angelfish get?

The Bandit angelfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Bandit angelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bandit angelfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) — Pomacanthidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) — Pomacanthidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) David R, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) — Pomacanthidae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) — Pomacanthidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — The original uploader was Aquaimages at English Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 2.5)
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All data

Identification

English name
Bandit angelfish sourced
Scientific name
Apolemichthys arcuatus
Family
Pomacanthidae
Other names
Bandit angelfish; Black-banded angel; Banded angelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
12.0 verified
Max depth (m)
183.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Johnston I., Midway Is., Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Apolemichthys

More from the family Pomacanthidae

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