5 Things I Learned About Emperor Angelfish

Here are five unique things that you should know about the Emperor's Angelfish:

Changing Appearance

An Emperor Anglefish's appearance changes dramatically over its lifetime. Juveniles are dark blue with a concentric white and electric blue ring. 

By 24 to 30 months into their existence, they look like the masked beauty you know them as.

Unique Mating Behavior 

During spawning, the female Emperor Angelfish releases hundreds of eggs into the water, which the male then fertilizes. These eggs are buoyant and carried by currents, helping to disperse them over a wide area. The eggs hatch into larvae within a few days, remaining part of the plankton for several weeks before settling and growing into juvenile fish. This strategy helps ensure that some offspring find suitable habitats and avoid competition and predation.

Omnivorous

Emperor Angelfishes feed on smaller invertebrates and plants, and algae and sponges are the staples of their diets. However, the fish graze on algae growing on coral reefs, which helps maintain the balance of the reef ecosystem by preventing algal overgrowth. Sponges are also a crucial component of their diet, providing essential nutrients.

Territorial

Emperor Angelfish males are territorial and aggressively defend females and their living spaces from others of the kind. But when it comes to divers, these inquisitive fish have been known to go very close to checking out visiting humans.

Naturally curious yourself? Look closely at the Emperor blue, queen, French, and gray Angelfish in your nearest fish store. 

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