Fin's Fish Guide
The Cortez angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Description
The Cortez angelfish is an angelfish (family Pomacanthidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 46 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body; adults are grey-brown with a yellow accent, while juveniles bear a striking pattern of blue and yellow bars. It lives on rocky reefs, where adults range over the reef in pairs or loose groups and feed by day mainly on sponges, supplemented by tunicates, algae, bryozoans and eggs. Juveniles sometimes clean other fishes. The species is harmless to humans and is eaten locally on a modest scale.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cortez angelfish?
The Cortez angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Adults graze mainly on sponges; juveniles have a different, striped colour pattern and sometimes clean other fishes.
Where does the Cortez angelfish live?
The Cortez angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru, on rocky reefs.
How big does the Cortez angelfish get?
The Cortez angelfish grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 26 cm.
Is the Cortez angelfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cortez angelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cortez angelfish edible?
Yes, the Cortez angelfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomacanthus
More from the family Pomacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Cortez angelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cortez angelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.