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Good Large Starter Marine Angelfish Choices

Large Angelfishes Good for Beginners

By , About.com Guides

Which marine angelfish are right for you? This list of large Holacanthus and Pomacanthus species saltwater angelfishes are considered to be good starter choices for beginners with some experience in aquarium keeping. These large angels are generally hardy, with most individuals adapting rather well to captivity when provided proper acclimation and care.

Note: Keep in mind that saltwater fishes are not 100% predictable in their individual behaviors, and therefore this list is intended to be a guideline when selecting any angel for a saltwater, marine or reef aquarium.

Blue Angelfish

  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus bermudensis
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 180
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Blueface Angelfish

Adult Blueface or Yellowface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon)Photo © Bar Chaim
  • Other Names: Yellowface Angelfish
  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus xanthometopon
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 135
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Cortez Angelfish

Adult Cortez Angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus)Photo © Keoki Stender
  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus zonipectus
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 180
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

French Angelfish

Adult French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)Photo © Keoki Stender
  • Scientific Name: Pomachanthus paru
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 135
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Gray Angelfish

Adult Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus)Photo © Keoki Stender
  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus arcuatus
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 180
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Koran Angelfish

Koran Angel (Pomacanthus semicirculatus) in juvenile coloration phase of life.Photo © Frank Santiago
  • Other Names: Semicircular Angelfish, Halfcircled Angelfish
  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 135
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Passer Angelfish

Adult Passer or King Angelfish (Holacanthus passer)Photo © Keoki Stender
  • Other Names: King Angelfish
  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus passer
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 100
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Queen Angelfish

Adult Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)Photo © F. Toomey
  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus ciliaris
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 180
  • Guide Care Rating: Intermediate Beginner

Yellowbar Angelfish

  • Other Names: Maculosus Angelfish, Map Angelfish Half Moon Angelfish
  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus maculosus; not to be confused with its Red Sea counterpart, Pomacanthus asfur.
  • Recommended Minimum Tank Size: 100
  • Guide Care Rating: Beginner - Intermediate

Large Angelfish Best Avoided by Beginners

Now that you know which large species angelfishes are considered to be good choices to start with, go here to find out which angels in this group are best avoided by a beginner.

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