Passer Angelfish (King Angelfish)
The adult Passer Angelfish is predominantly dark blue with a white vertical stripe extending down from the dorsal fin about two-thirds of the way to the pelvic fin. The dorsal fin is rimmed in yellow. The caudal and pectoral fins are yellow, while the ventral fins are yellow in females and white in males. Juveniles are orange with one white stripe and multiple blue stripes.
This species can grow over a foot in length and requires a minimum 250-gallon aquarium. It is hardy but can become aggressive, so it should be kept with semi-aggressive tank mates. The fish grazes on live rock and may nip at stony and soft corals, as well as clam mantles, making it unsuitable for reef tanks.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Common Name: Passer Angelfish (King Angelfish) |
| Size: Over 1 foot (adult) |
| Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons |
| Aggression Level: Moderate to high |
| Compatibility: Semi-aggressive tank mates only |
| Feeding: Grazes on live rock and sessile invertebrates |
| Reef Safe: No |
FAQ
What is the typical coloration of adult Passer Angelfish?
Adult Passer Angelfish are predominantly dark blue with a white vertical stripe extending from the dorsal fin to about two-thirds of the way to the pelvic fin. The dorsal fin is rimmed in yellow, and the caudal and pectoral fins are yellow. Ventral fins are yellow in females and white in males.
Is the Passer Angelfish suitable for a reef aquarium?
No, the Passer Angelfish is not suitable for a reef aquarium. It grazes on live rock and may nip at stony and soft corals, as well as clam mantles.
What tank size is required for a Passer Angelfish?
A minimum of 250 gallons is required due to the fish’s size and behavior.
Keith Black –
The Passer Angelfish is a striking fish with beautiful coloration. After a few months, it started showing signs of aggression toward smaller fish, so I adjusted my tank setup to include larger, semi-aggressive companions. It’s active and helps maintain the live rock, though it does nibble on some corals. Not for reef tanks, but great in a well-balanced community setup.
Samantha Walker –
I’ve had this fish for over a year in a 250-gallon tank. It’s very hardy and grows steadily. The color change from juvenile to adult is impressive. I keep it with larger angelfish and a few robust corydoras. It doesn’t damage the rock much and stays mostly calm unless provoked.
Chloe Lewis –
The fish looks great and is active, but it’s quite aggressive and scared off a few of my smaller tank mates. I had to remove a small shrimp and a clown loach. I’m still learning how to balance the tank with compatible species. Overall, it’s a bold choice for experienced aquarists.