The Truth About The Aggressive Annularis Angelfish

Did you know, despite its name, the Annularis Angelfish is a semi-aggressive saltwater fish? If you want to keep this fish in your home, keep reading to learn about the species. 

Where Does The Annularis Angelfish Come From?

The Annularis Angelfish got its name from the scientific name Pomacanthus Annularis. However, this fish is also known as the Blue King Angelfish, the Blue Ring Angelfish, or the Blue Ringed Angelfish. 

This fish species was first found in 1787 by Bloch. Initially, it was discovered in the East Indies. Today, this is a wide-ranging fish.

For example, you can find Annularis Angelfish near the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean to the West Pacific, which includes the west coast of India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, southern Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and north to southern Japan. 

This species prefers murky waters and is often found in coastal and coral reefs about three to 50 meters deep. However, they’ve also been spotted in caves, coves, and harbors around piers and shipwrecks. 

When encountering the Annularis Angelfish in its natural habitat, you’ll notice that juveniles are often alone. However, as they grow into adults, they stick together in pairs. 

Annularis Angelfish Appearance

This saltwater fish is taller than it is long. Its body is disc-shaped with an extended filament dorsal fin. These fish are relatively large, growing to be up to a foot. However, some fish of this species have been known to grow as large as 18 inches. In captivity, they may be smaller.

Juveniles look different than they do when they grow into adults.

For instance, young Blue Ring Angelfish are black and blue with several white and blue curving bands across their body. These bands increase as they grow and then gradually fade away. In addition, the fins are black and blue, aside from the caudal fin (the tail), which is white.

Adult Annularis Angelfish are yellow and brown and covered in fine dots. At this point, they only have about eight curving blue lines across their body.

An adult’s dorsal and anal fins are brown, gradually turning into a deep blue. Next, its caudal fin is white, and the pectoral fins are yellow-brown with a blue-black spot at the base. Finally, its pelvic fins are yellowish brown with many blue-black lines.

Annularis Angelfish Care

Whether you’ve owned a saltwater fish tank before or not, the Blue Ring Angelfish needs an intermediate fish keeper. Caring for this fish is a learning curve, but once you know its needs, care for them will become second nature.

Tank Setup

When bringing home this fish species, be sure you have the proper aquarium specs. The table below shows the ideal environment for an Annularis Angelfish. 

With this giant fish, it needs plenty of room in a tank. You’ll need an aquarium size of at least 180 gallons, but bigger is always better.

In addition, you can place this fish in a reef environment, but you’ll need to do so with caution. Since this type of Angelfish is aggressive, it’s known to nibble on clams and eat soft coral and LPS.

Some corals suitable for the Annularis Angelfish might be Hammer Corals, Bubble Corals, or Star Polyps.

The tank should also provide standard lighting for adequate food growth on the decor. The decor should include live rock and other hiding areas. They’ll do well with any saltwater substrate.

Finally, this fish needs typical saltwater parameters. The pH levels should remain between 8.1 and 8.4, SG of 1.020 to 1.025, and a water hardiness of eight to 12 degrees dKG.

To keep the overall aquarium healthy, routine water changes are needed. You can change 10% of the water once every two weeks or change 20% of the water once monthly.

Behavior

When you first add this fish species to your saltwater aquarium, they’ll initially be shy. Then, they’ll hide more often, and you might have trouble getting them to eat.

Their true personality will emerge as they get used to the tank and grow older. Annularis Angelfish are an aggressive species, especially to other Angelfish. 

Regarding tank mates, you must strategize which species you add to the aquarium.

For instance, peaceful fish, such as gobies or dartfish, will be in trouble. You can add other aggressive fish, such as dottyback fish or damselfish because they’ll be able to hold their own. Predatory fish, such as lionfish or soapfish, are also safe. Anemones are also safe, but you’ll want to monitor them just in case.

Feeding

The Annularis Angelfish is an omnivore species. You can provide them with a flake or pellet food, but most of their diet should contain vegetables. Live foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp should also be included.

Juvenile Blue Ring Angelfish need to be fed at least four times daily. On the other hand, adults should be given two to three meals per day.

Health

With proper care, the Annularis Angelfish has an average lifespan of about 16 years. However, some have lived to be 20 years or older.

They’re prone to many saltwater health issues, mainly if they’re not appropriately housed, have the wrong tank mates, or have any disease that can affect the salty water.

For example, this fish can get Saltwater Ich, known as Crypt, Marine Ich, or White Spot Disease. They could also get Velvet Disease, also known as Marine Velvet. 

Internal and external parasites can also be an issue.

Breeding Annularis Angelfish

There aren’t many differences between the sexes of this species because it’s considered to be protogynous hermaphrodites. What this means is that all Annularis Angelfish are born female. Then, as they grow into adults and need to reproduce, some will change to males.

This fish often spawns in a harem (more females to one male), and they’ll court at sunset. So, it can be difficult to breed this species in a tank and mimic their natural habitat. 

Question Corner: FAQs About The Annularis Angelfish

If you want to learn more about this saltwater fish species, read through the frequently asked questions answered below.

Where Can You Get An Annularis Angelfish?

You should be able to get this fish at any pet store that sells saltwater fish. However, they’re not often available. Instead, you might have to go through an Annularis Angelfish breeder.

What’s The Average Cost Of The Annularis Angelfish?

The average Annularis Angelfish price may vary depending on its size and age. Juveniles will cost less than adults, and smaller fish will cost less than larger ones. The average cost is between $150 and $650 per fish.

Are Annularis Angelfish Good For Beginners?

Beginner fish keepers can do well with this species if they do their research. In addition, knowledge of caring for a saltwater tank is a bonus and will make setting up the aquarium much easier.

Are Annularis Angelfish Freshwater Or Saltwater Fish?

This species’ natural habitat is the ocean, which makes this fish a saltwater species. Therefore, they won’t do well in a freshwater aquarium environment.

Should You Add Annularis Angelfish To Your Tank?

This fish is good to keep if you’re a seasoned fish keeper. However, ensure they have a big enough environment and the proper tank mates.

Rachel

Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.

After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.