The Pomacanthus navarchus, commonly known as the blue-girdled angelfish or majestic angelfish, is a marine angelfish found in the Indo-Pacific region. Although it occasionally appears in the aquarium trade, it remains one of the smallest among the larger species of angelfish.
Here are some intriguing details about this captivating fish:
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Appearance:
- The body of the majestic angelfish is laterally flattened.
- Adult fish exhibit three main colored sections:
- The anterior section in front of the eyes and the front part of the body is lemon yellow.
- The central section is funnel-shaped and deep blue.
- The posterior section is reticulated in bright yellow and blue.
- These sections are separated by pale blue bands edged with black.
- Juvenile fish are dark blue with slightly curved, white lateral stripes. The transition from juvenile to adult coloring occurs abruptly, with little intermediate coloring.
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Distribution and Habitat:
- Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the blue-girdled angelfish’s range extends from Indonesia and the Philippines to northern and eastern Australia and Micronesia.
- It inhabits depths down to about 40 meters (130 feet) on outer reef slopes, channels, and lagoons in coral-rich habitats1.
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Ecology and Behavior:
- The majestic angelfish is territorial and is generally found alone, although it may occasionally be seen in pairs or small groups.
- Its diet includes sponges, algae, tunicates, zooplankton, and small invertebrates.
- Interestingly, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, starting adult life as a female and later transitioning to a male.
In summary, the blue-girdled angelfish adds a touch of elegance and vibrant color to coral reefs, making it a prized sight for divers and aquarists alike.
