25 Types of Saltwater Angelfish for Aquariums

Types of saltwater angelfish: direct answer

Saltwater angelfish are among the most colorful marine aquarium fish, but they are not all equally practical for home aquariums. The best types of saltwater angelfish for most hobbyists are smaller dwarf angelfish such as the Coral Beauty Angelfish, Flame Angelfish, Cherub Angelfish, Potter’s Angelfish, Lemonpeel Angelfish, Bicolor Angelfish, Red Stripe Angelfish, and Keyhole Angelfish.

Large saltwater angelfish such as Queen, French, Emperor, Gray, Blueface, King, Koran, and Annularis Angelfish are spectacular fish, but they need very large aquariums, strong filtration, mature live rock, frequent feeding, and careful tank mate planning. Many large angelfish also eat sponges, tunicates, algae, and sometimes corals or clam mantles, which makes them poor choices for many reef tanks.

Beginner takeaway: If this is your first saltwater angelfish, start your research with one of the hardier dwarf angelfish in a mature, stable aquarium. Avoid rare, deepwater, or sponge-dependent species until you have significant marine fishkeeping experience.

Quick comparison of 25 popular saltwater angelfish

How to choose the right saltwater angelfish

Before choosing any marine angelfish, match the fish to the tank you actually have, not the tank you hope to upgrade to later. Many large angelfish are sold as attractive juveniles, but they grow into powerful, territorial adults that need far more swimming room and filtration than a small or medium aquarium can provide.

• Choose dwarf angelfish for normal home aquariums. Coral Beauty, Flame, Cherub, Lemonpeel, Bicolor, Potter’s, Red Stripe, and Keyhole Angelfish are more realistic than the large Pomacanthus and Holacanthus species.
• Use caution in reef tanks. No angelfish should be considered completely risk-free with corals or clams. Dwarf angels may behave perfectly for months and then begin nipping.
• Plan for territorial behavior. Angelfish often become more assertive once established. Add shy fish before the angelfish when possible.
• Feed a varied diet. Many large angelfish need foods that include sponge material. Dwarf angels should receive algae-based foods, meaty foods, and grazing opportunities.
• Avoid rare species as impulse buys. Peppermint, Bandit, Rock Beauty, Regal, and some other species are best left to advanced keepers who can meet specialized feeding and acclimation needs.

25 popular types of saltwater angelfish

1. Queen Angelfish

The Queen Angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris, is one of the largest angelfish on this list, reaching up to about 17.5 inches in length. It is best suited for very large aquariums of 220 gallons or more.

• Adult size: Up to 17.5 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Aggressive to semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: No
• Natural range: Western Atlantic reefs, including Florida, Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Brazil

Queen Angelfish feed heavily on sponges in the wild, along with tunicates, hydroids, bryozoans, algae, and other reef organisms. Juveniles may clean parasites from other fish. In the aquarium, they need frequent feedings and a diet formulated for large marine angelfish.

2. French Angelfish

The French Angelfish, Pomacanthus paru, grows to about 15 inches as an adult and needs a large, stable aquarium. It is one of the more peaceful large angelfish, but it is still a big, assertive fish that should not be placed in small tanks.

• Adult size: About 15 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, often calmer than many large angels
• Reef safe: No
• Natural range: Bahamas, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Brazil

French Angelfish eat sponges, algae, tunicates, hydroids, bryozoans, and other benthic reef organisms. Feed a varied diet that includes sponge-based angelfish preparations, algae-based foods, and meaty marine foods.

Related: French Angelfish Care Guide

3. Emperor Angelfish

The Emperor Angelfish, Pomacanthus imperator, is one of the most famous marine angelfish because the adult coloration is so dramatic. Juveniles look completely different, with blue, black, and white circular markings.

• Adult size: About 15 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: No
• Natural range: Indo-Pacific reefs, including the Red Sea, Africa, Japan, and Australia

Emperor Angelfish graze on sponges, tunicates, hydroids, bryozoans, and algae. Their colors may fade in poor aquarium conditions, and they may be prone to head and lateral line erosion if diet and water quality are neglected.

4. Gray Angelfish

The Gray Angelfish, Pomacanthus arcuatus, is another large Atlantic angelfish. Adults can reach nearly 20 inches, making this species suitable only for very large aquariums.

• Adult size: Up to about 19.5 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: No
• Natural range: Western Atlantic reefs, including Florida, the Bahamas, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Brazil

Gray Angelfish eat sponges, algae, corals, tunicates, hydroids, bryozoans, and other benthic organisms. They are not a good fit for most reef aquariums because they may eat or damage gorgonians, zoanthids, and other corals.

5. Flame Angelfish

The Flame Angelfish, Centropyge loricula, is one of the most popular dwarf angelfish. It stays much smaller than the large angels and is a realistic option for many mature home aquariums.

• Adult size: About 4 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Natural range: Pacific reefs, including Hawaii and other island regions

Flame Angelfish graze on microalgae films, diatoms, detritus, and algae. In the aquarium, feed algae-enriched foods, meaty marine foods, and occasional nori. They are often kept in reef tanks, but coral nipping is always possible.

Related: Flame Angelfish Care Guide

6. Blueface Angelfish

The Blueface Angelfish, Pomacanthus xanthometopon, is a large, bold, colorful angelfish that requires a very large aquarium and experienced care.

• Adult size: About 15 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: No
• Best fit: Large fish-only aquariums

7. Coral Beauty Angelfish

The Coral Beauty Angelfish, Centropyge bispinosa, is one of the best-known dwarf angelfish. It is smaller, generally hardy, and more practical than the large angelfish species.

• Adult size: About 4 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Natural range: Indo-Pacific reefs, including areas around Tahiti, Australia, Japan, and East Africa

Coral Beauty Angelfish feed on algae, detritus, and small organisms growing on live rock. Offer algae-rich foods, meaty foods, and regular grazing opportunities. They are often considered one of the hardier saltwater angelfish, but they can still nip corals or clam mantles.

Related: Coral Beauty Angelfish Care Guide

8. Pygmy Cherub Angelfish

The Pygmy Cherub Angelfish, Centropyge argi, is one of the smallest saltwater angelfish commonly seen in the hobby. Do not let the small size fool you. This fish can be territorial and bold.

• Adult size: About 3 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Natural range: Tropical western Atlantic and Caribbean reefs

Cherub Angelfish graze on filamentous algae, cyanobacteria, detritus, and growth on live rock. They are best kept with tank mates that are not overly timid.

9. Regal Angelfish

The Regal Angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus, is one of the most beautiful angelfish, but it is not one of the easiest. It is best suited for experienced aquarists with mature, stable aquariums.

• Adult size: About 10 inches
• Tank size guidance: 125+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Natural range: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, southern Japan, and Australia

Regal Angelfish can be picky feeders and may need a carefully managed acclimation period. They are sometimes kept in reef aquariums with caution, but they may nip at some corals and clam mantles.

10. King Angelfish

The King Angelfish, Holacanthus passer, is a large eastern Pacific angelfish with bold coloration and a strong personality. It is not a small-tank species.

• Adult size: About 14 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive
• Reef safe: No
• Best fit: Large fish-only systems with robust tank mates

11. Potter’s Angelfish

The Potter’s Angelfish, Centropyge potteri, is a beautiful dwarf angelfish associated with Hawaiian reefs. It is attractive, active, and best suited for mature aquariums with plenty of live rock.

• Adult size: About 5 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Experienced keepers with mature tanks

Like other dwarf angels, Potter’s Angelfish benefits from constant grazing opportunities and a varied diet that includes algae-based foods.

12. Chrysurus Angelfish

The Chrysurus Angelfish, Pomacanthus chrysurus, is a large angelfish sometimes called the Earspot Angelfish. It needs a large, mature aquarium and careful feeding.

• Adult size: About 13 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Large mature aquariums

13. Lemonpeel Angelfish

The Lemonpeel Angelfish, Centropyge flavissima, is a vivid yellow dwarf angelfish with blue highlights around the eyes and gill plate. It is beautiful, but it can be a coral nipper.

• Adult size: About 5.5 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Mature tanks with live rock and algae grazing

Lemonpeel Angelfish should receive a varied diet with algae-based foods, meaty foods, and opportunities to graze throughout the day.

14. Bicolor Angelfish

The Bicolor Angelfish, Centropyge bicolor, is a striking blue-and-yellow dwarf angelfish. It is popular because of its color, but it is not always the easiest dwarf angel to keep long term.

• Adult size: About 6 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Mature aquariums with experienced care

Related: Bicolor Angelfish Care Guide

15. Koran Angelfish

The Koran Angelfish, Pomacanthus semicirculatus, is a large angelfish that is often considered hardier than some other large angels. That does not make it a beginner fish. Its adult size still requires a large aquarium.

• Adult size: About 15 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: No
• Best fit: Large fish-only systems

16. Lamarck’s Angelfish

The Lamarck’s Angelfish, Genicanthus lamarck, is different from many angelfish because Genicanthus angels are planktivores rather than sponge-and-coral grazers. That makes them one of the better angelfish groups to research for large reef aquariums.

• Adult size: About 8 inches
• Tank size guidance: 125+ gallons
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: Generally yes
• Best fit: Large reef or community aquariums

Lamarck’s Angelfish should be fed multiple small meals of meaty marine foods and high-quality prepared foods. It needs swimming space and should not be placed in small aquariums.

17. Scribbled Angelfish

The Scribbled Angelfish, Chaetodontoplus duboulayi, gets its name from the scribbled blue patterning across the body. It is a large, impressive fish that belongs in a spacious mature aquarium.

• Adult size: About 10 inches
• Tank size guidance: 180+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Large mature aquariums

18. Annularis Angelfish

The Annularis Angelfish, Pomacanthus annularis, is a large angelfish with bright blue striping. It is best suited for very large systems with substantial swimming space.

• Adult size: About 12 inches
• Tank size guidance: 220+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Large fish-only or carefully selected mixed systems

19. Red Stripe Angelfish

The Red Stripe Angelfish, Centropyge eibli, is also known as Eibl’s Angelfish. It is a dwarf angelfish with a pale body, vertical striping, and orange-red accents.

• Adult size: About 6 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Mature community aquariums

20. Keyhole Angelfish

The Keyhole Angelfish, Centropyge tibicen, is a larger dwarf angelfish with a dark body and the pale “keyhole” marking that gives the fish its common name.

• Adult size: About 8 inches
• Tank size guidance: 70+ gallons, larger preferred
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Larger mature aquariums with live rock

21. Peppermint Angelfish

The Peppermint Angelfish, Paracentropyge boylei, is one of the rarest angelfish in the aquarium hobby. It is a deepwater species that rarely appears in the trade and is not a practical choice for most aquarists.

• Adult size: About 3 inches
• Tank size guidance: 55+ gallons
• Care level: Extremely difficult
• Reef safe: Not a typical reef-tank choice
• Best fit: Expert-only specialty systems

This is not a fish to buy because it is small. Its rarity, collection depth, cost, and care requirements make it a specialty species.

22. Goldflake Angelfish

The Goldflake Angelfish, Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus, is a large and attractive angelfish with gold spotting across the body. It is best suited for experienced keepers with large aquariums.

• Adult size: About 10 inches
• Tank size guidance: 125+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Experienced keepers with large mature tanks

23. Rock Beauty Angelfish

The Rock Beauty Angelfish, Holacanthus tricolor, is an Atlantic angelfish with a bold yellow-and-black pattern. It is beautiful, but it has a reputation for being difficult because of its dietary needs.

• Adult size: About 8 inches
• Tank size guidance: 125+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Difficulty: Expert-level due to sponge-heavy diet needs

Rock Beauty Angelfish are best attempted by experienced aquarists who can provide sponge-based foods and a mature, stable system.

24. Majestic Angelfish

The Majestic Angelfish, Pomacanthus navarchus, is also called the Blue-girdled Angelfish. It is a stunning large angelfish that requires a mature aquarium and careful feeding.

• Adult size: About 12 inches
• Tank size guidance: 180+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Experienced keepers with mature aquariums

Related: Majestic Angelfish Care Guide

25. Bandit Angelfish

The Bandit Angelfish, Apolemichthys arcuatus, is prized for its clean black-and-white coloration. It is not a casual purchase. It is rare, expensive, and best kept by experienced marine aquarists.

• Adult size: About 7 inches
• Tank size guidance: 125+ gallons
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Reef safe: With caution
• Best fit: Expert-level mature aquariums

Bandit Angelfish need excellent water quality, careful acclimation, and a varied diet that includes sponge-based foods.

Best saltwater angelfish for beginners

The best saltwater angelfish for beginners is usually the Coral Beauty Angelfish. It is hardy compared with many other angelfish, stays relatively small, accepts a varied aquarium diet, and does not require the massive aquarium needed by large angelfish species.

Other dwarf angelfish worth researching include the Flame Angelfish, Cherub Angelfish, Lemonpeel Angelfish, Bicolor Angelfish, and Red Stripe Angelfish. None of these fish should be added to a brand-new tank. They do best in mature aquariums with stable water quality and established live rock.

Which saltwater angelfish are reef safe?

The safest answer is that most saltwater angelfish are reef safe with caution, not completely reef safe. Dwarf angelfish such as Coral Beauty, Flame, Cherub, Lemonpeel, Bicolor, and Red Stripe Angelfish are often kept in reef aquariums, but any individual fish may nip at coral polyps, fleshy LPS corals, zoanthids, clam mantles, or other invertebrates.

Genicanthus angelfish, including Lamarck’s Angelfish, are generally better candidates for reef aquariums because they are planktivores and are less focused on grazing from rock and coral surfaces.

Related: Best reef-safe angelfish with caution

Dwarf angelfish tank mates

Dwarf angelfish can work well in mature community tanks when they are paired with appropriate tank mates. Avoid combining them with very timid fish in cramped aquariums, because even small angelfish can become territorial.

Potential dwarf angelfish tank mates include:

• Clownfish
• Chromis
• Basslets and grammas
• Gobies
• Blennies
• Cardinalfish
• Peaceful wrasses
• Some tangs in appropriately sized aquariums

Add the most peaceful or timid fish first when possible. Add the dwarf angelfish later so it is less likely to claim the entire aquarium as its territory.

Large angelfish tank mates

Large angelfish need large tanks and tank mates that can handle their size, appetite, and territorial behavior. Do not place large angelfish with tiny, timid, or easily bullied fish unless the aquarium is very large and carefully aquascaped.

Potential tank mates for large angelfish include:

• Tangs
• Rabbitfish
• Wrasses
• Butterflyfish
• Larger clownfish species
• Goatfish
• Boxfish, with caution
• Other robust community fish suited to the same tank size

Be cautious when mixing multiple large angelfish. It is possible in very large aquariums, but territorial conflict is common. Research the specific species combination before attempting it.

Can saltwater angelfish be kept together?

Saltwater angelfish can sometimes be kept together, but it is risky in most home aquariums. Many angelfish are territorial, especially toward closely related species or fish with similar body shapes and feeding behavior.

On natural reefs, some angelfish live in pairs or harem groups. Recreating that social structure in a home aquarium is difficult because the tank is much smaller than the fish’s natural territory. Dwarf angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, which means they start as female and dominant individuals may become male, but pairing or grouping them should be left to experienced aquarists.

For most hobbyists, the safer plan is to keep one angelfish per aquarium unless the tank is very large and the stocking plan is designed around multiple angels from the beginning.

Ideal tank conditions for saltwater angelfish

Stable water quality is critical for keeping saltwater angelfish. A stable aquarium within the proper range is usually better than a tank where parameters swing up and down, even if the numbers occasionally test within the acceptable range.

Large angelfish produce a lot of waste and need strong biological filtration, protein skimming, oxygenation, and regular maintenance. Dwarf angelfish are smaller, but they still do best in mature tanks with live rock and stable water quality.

Feeding saltwater angelfish

Saltwater angelfish are active grazers. Many species spend much of the day picking at rock, sponge growth, algae films, tunicates, and other benthic organisms. In the aquarium, they usually do better with multiple small feedings rather than one large feeding.

Feeding large angelfish

Large angelfish often need sponge-based foods as part of the diet. Offer a varied diet that may include:

• Prepared marine angelfish foods containing sponge material
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Frozen brine shrimp as a supplemental food
• Marine algae and nori
• High-quality pellets or flakes formulated for marine omnivores
• Occasional clam, shrimp, or other marine-origin meaty foods

Newly imported large angelfish may be reluctant to eat. Have several food options ready before the fish arrives.

Feeding dwarf angelfish

Dwarf angelfish should receive a mixed diet of algae-based foods, meaty marine foods, and regular grazing opportunities on mature live rock. Do not rely on meaty foods alone. A dwarf angel that constantly grazes on rockwork is usually behaving normally.

Common mistakes with saltwater angelfish

• Buying a juvenile large angelfish for a small tank. A small Emperor, Queen, or Koran Angelfish will not stay small.
• Assuming “reef safe” means guaranteed coral safe. With angelfish, reef safe usually means “possible with risk.”
• Feeding too narrowly. Many angelfish need algae, sponge-based foods, and varied marine foods.
• Adding the angelfish too early. Most angelfish do better in mature aquariums, not freshly cycled tanks.
• Ignoring aggression. Even dwarf angels can bully timid tank mates in smaller aquariums.
• Buying rare fish without a feeding plan. Rare species are not automatically harder because they are rare, but many are rare and demanding.

Frequently asked questions

What is the hardiest type of saltwater angelfish?

The Coral Beauty Angelfish is one of the hardiest and most practical saltwater angelfish for many hobbyists. It stays relatively small, adapts well to aquarium foods, and does not require a specialized sponge-heavy diet like some large angelfish. It still needs a mature, stable aquarium.

What is the smallest saltwater angelfish?

The Pygmy Cherub Angelfish and Peppermint Angelfish are among the smallest species on this list, reaching about 3 inches. The Cherub Angelfish is much more realistic for typical aquariums. The Peppermint Angelfish is rare, expensive, and expert-only.

Are dwarf angelfish aggressive?

Dwarf angelfish are usually semi-aggressive. They are smaller than large angelfish, but they can still defend territory, chase timid fish, and show aggression toward other dwarf angels.

Can I keep an angelfish in a nano reef tank?

Most saltwater angelfish are poor choices for nano reef tanks. Even small dwarf angels need swimming space, rockwork, and territory. A mature aquarium of 70 gallons or larger is a safer starting point for most dwarf angelfish species listed here.

Do saltwater angelfish eat coral?

Some do, and many may nip at corals even if they do not destroy them outright. Large angelfish are especially risky in reef tanks. Dwarf angelfish are often kept in reefs with caution, but individual behavior varies.

References

Michael, Scott W. Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes: Plus Ten More Aquarium Fish Families With Expert Captive Care Advice for the Marine Aquarist. T.F.H. Publications. Neptune City, NJ. 2004.

Ulrich III, Albert B. The New Saltwater Aquarium Guide: How to Care for and Keep Marine Fish and Corals. Saltwater Aquarium Blog Publishing. 2014.