🐠 Blue Ring Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)
🐠 Blue Ring Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)
Marine Angelfish • Coral Grazer • Display Species • Indo-Pacific Icon
📋 The Blue Ring Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) is a large, brilliantly colored angelfish that undergoes a stunning transformation from juvenile to adult. Juveniles display vibrant blue and white concentric circles, while adults develop rich golden-yellow bodies adorned with iridescent blue rings, giving rise to its name.
Found throughout Indian Ocean and Andaman reef slopes, this species prefers rocky caves, ledges, and coral structures, where it grazes on sponges and tunicates. In aquariums, the Blue Ring is a bold centerpiece species that thrives in large, mature systems with plenty of rockwork and swimming space.
The Blue Ring Angelfish combines elegance and power — a regal presence ideal for advanced marine aquarists looking to make a visual statement.
💡 Highlights
✨ Stunning coloration: bright blue rings on a golden body
⚪ Majestic adult form: elegant and commanding centerpiece
📏 Large size: can reach up to 45 cm (18") in length
✅ Active grazer: consumes sponges and algae from rock surfaces
🐠 Indian Ocean beauty: a premium showcase angelfish
🧾 A Quick Look at the Blue Ring Angelfish
📛 Common Name: Blue Ring Angelfish / Annularis Angelfish / Blue King Angelfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Pomacanthus annularis
👨👩👧 Family: Pomacanthidae
🌍 Origin: Indian Ocean • Thailand • Indonesia • Maldives • Andaman Sea
📏 Max Size: 45 cm (≈ 18")
💧 pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Moderate to Advanced
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ No – nips corals and clams
🏠 Min Tank Size: 500 L (132 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Mid to bottom
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes – sustainably sourced from Indo-Pacific reefs
⏳ Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (sponges • algae • marine invertebrates)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg scatterer; pair bonds form in mature adults
