Hawaiian Reef Fish and Angelfish

Marine Angelfish are found on shallow reefs in Hawaiian waters, as well as in the tropical Atlantic and Indian oceans. The family Pomacanthidae contains seven genera and approximately 86 species. With their vibrant colours and deep, laterally compressed bodies make angelfishes some of the more conspicuous residents of the reef. Most marine Angelfishes restrict themselves to the shallows of the reef, seldom venturing deeper than 150 ft.

Pomacanthidae comes from the Greek poma meaning cover and akantha meaning thorn, and refers to the presence of rear-pointing spines on the gill covers. Many species of marine Angelfishes have streamer-like extensions of the soft dorsal and anal fins. They have small mouths, and use their brush-like teeth to eat algae and sponges. Angelfishes also have what is known as a haremic social system in which a single male defends two to five female fish.

Of the known species worldwide, five Angelfish are native to the main Hawaiian Islands. Four of these five native Hawaiian Angelfish species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Other angelfish species which might be seen in Hawaiian waters are the Japanese Angelfish, found only in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the extremely rare Emperor Angelfish (juvenile shown above).

Bandit Angelfish (Desmoholacanthus arcuatus) – Endemic
Fisher’s Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri) – Endemic
Masked Angelfish (Genicanthus personatus) – Endemic
Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri) – Endemic
Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)
Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)
Japanese Angelfish (Centropyge interruptus)