Griffis Angelfish

Griffis Angelfish

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Apolemichthys griffisi

Overview
Reef Compatible: YES
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Central Pacific

Apolemichthys griffisi, also known as Griffis angelfish, is a fascinating marine fish found in the Pacific Ocean. It belongs to the family Apolemichthys. This species is quite rarely encountered in the aquarium trade. Let’s dive into some interesting details about this unique fish:

• Description: The Griffis angelfish has a rather greyish white or ash-colored body with a wide, black band extending from the head to the ventral part of the caudal peduncle. Within this black band lies a contrasting white stripe. A large black spot is present on the head above the eye. The dorsal fin is predominantly black, while the anal and pelvic fins are white. Juveniles lack the white stripe within the black band. This species can reach a maximum total length of 30 centimeters (12 inches).

• Distribution: Apolemichthys griffisi has a wide distribution, extending from Southeast Asia east to the Line Islands. It has been recorded with certainty from Kiribati and possibly the US Virgin Islands. Its range includes Indonesia, Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

• Habitat & Biology: Griffis angelfish inhabit outer coral reef slopes, rocky ledges, and drop-offs. They are typically found as solitary individuals, in pairs, or small aggregations. Their depth range is 10 to 100 meters (33 to 328 feet). Their diet consists of benthic invertebrates such as sponges, tunicates, and crustaceans. Interestingly, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex during their lifetime.

• Systematics: Apolemichthys griffisi was first formally described in 1981 as Holacanthus griffisi by Bruce Carlson and Leighton R. Taylor. The specific name honors Nixon Griffis, a conservationist who supported the discovery of this species during a collecting trip to Canton Island in the South Pacific¹.

Next time you’re exploring the ocean depths, keep an eye out for this captivating angelfish!