Fin's Fish Guide
The King angelfish (Holacanthus passer) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 36 cm.
Description
The king angelfish is an angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 36 cm and has a dark, blue-grey body with a conspicuous narrow white vertical bar behind the head and yellow-orange fins. It is common on rocky and coral-rich reefs, often in pairs or small groups. As a diurnal grazer it feeds mainly on sponges, supplemented with algae, zooplankton and sessile invertebrates; it sometimes acts as a cleaner for larger fishes. The king angelfish is popular in the marine aquarium and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the King angelfish?
The King angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark body with a narrow white band and yellow-orange fins; sponge eater and sometimes a cleaner fish.
Where does the King angelfish live?
The King angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; rocky and coral-rich reefs.
How big does the King angelfish get?
The King angelfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the King angelfish dangerous to humans?
No, the King angelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the King angelfish edible?
The King angelfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Holacanthus
More from the family Pomacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the King angelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the King angelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.