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queen angelfish

Holacanthus ciliaris

Rank
Species
Family
Pomacanthidae
Order
Acanthuriformes
Dive sites
2 sites

The queen angelfish is a striking reef resident with a bright yellow body, electric-blue accents on the face and fins, and a distinctive dark spot ringed in blue on the forehead. Found in the western Atlantic from Florida to Brazil, it patrols coral and rocky reefs between 5 and 60 metres, feeding on sponges and tunicates. Adults are territorial and often spotted in pairs; juveniles are yellow with blue stripes and are easily confused with young blue angelfish until the characteristic blue-ringed forehead spot becomes visible.

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Teleostei
Order
Acanthuriformes
Family
Pomacanthidae
Genus
Holacanthus

Most likely to be seen at

Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.