Semicircled angelfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Semicircled angelfish |
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The semicircled angelfish, also called the Koran angelfish or blue angelfish, is a beautiful marine angelfish. Its scientific name is Pomacanthus semicirculatus. This fish lives in the warm waters of the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, you can even find this angelfish in home aquariums.
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What Does the Semicircled Angelfish Look Like?
The semicircled angelfish looks very different as it grows up. Young angelfish and adult angelfish have unique appearances.
Young Angelfish: Blue and White Stripes
When they are young, these angelfish are blue-black. They have thin white stripes from top to bottom. Near their head, the stripes are mostly straight. But as the stripes go towards their tail, they become more curved. It's like a cool pattern!
Adult Angelfish: Brownish-Green and Blue
As they get older, the young angelfish slowly change their colors. This happens when they are about 8 to 16 centimeters long. Adults become brownish-green. Their scales have blue edges, which makes their bodies look speckled with blue. All their fins, except for their plain yellow pectoral fins, have blue edges. They also have long, flowing parts on their dorsal and anal fins.
Size of the Semicircled Angelfish
This angelfish can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. That's almost as long as a school ruler!
Where Do Semicircled Angelfish Live?
The semicircled angelfish lives in a large area called the Indo-Pacific region. This includes the eastern coast of Africa, from Sudan all the way down to South Africa. They also live across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. You can find them as far east as Fiji and Samoa. In the north, they reach southern Japan, and in the south, they are found around Australia.
Angelfish in Australia and Beyond
In Australia, these fish are common. They live from Western Australia around the coast to Sydney. Young angelfish can even be found a bit further south. They also live on islands like Christmas Island and Lord Howe Island. Sometimes, these angelfish have been spotted in new places. Since 1999, they have been seen off the east coast of Florida. They have also appeared near Oahu, Hawaii, since 2005.
What is the Habitat and Behavior of the Semicircled Angelfish?
Semicircled angelfish live in coral reefs. They prefer sheltered areas where the water is calm. You can find them at depths from 1 to 40 meters (about 3 to 130 feet).
What Do They Eat?
These angelfish are omnivores. They eat algae, which are like tiny plants, and also small sea creatures called tunicates and sponges.
Where Do They Hide?
Young angelfish are very shy. They live in shallow, protected spots. It can be hard to get close to them. Adult angelfish like coastal reefs with lots of coral. The coral gives them many places to hide from predators. You usually see them swimming alone or in pairs. Sometimes, adults have even been found living around old shipwrecks!
Why is the Semicircled Angelfish Important?
The semicircled angelfish is a popular fish in the aquarium trade. Many people enjoy keeping these beautiful fish in their home tanks.
