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Koran Angelfish

(Pomacanthus semicirculatus)

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 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 14"
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Pomacanthidae   • Species: Angels (Large)   • Aquarium Type: FOWLR

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Native Habitat and Species Information

Koran Angelfish native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility.

Koran Angelfish are large members of the pomachanthid family (Latin translation: “pom” (cover) and “acanthus” (thorn) referring to their single, lower opercular spines) endemic to tropical reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. Juvenile Koran Angelfish have a similar appearance to and are often mistaken for juvenile Emporer Angelfish (which have several circular markings as opposed to the semicircular markings of juvenile Koran Angelfish); they have a black base coloration with semicircular banding and markings of vivid blue and bright white, which has earned them the common nickname of the Semicircle Angelfish. As they mature (around 5") the markings of Koran Angelfish will gradually fade off as they approach their drastically different adult coloration.

Koran Angelfish are peaceful as juveniles and can appear indifferent towards larger tank mates; however, once mature they can be very territorial toward conspecifics and only one specimen should be housed in an aquarium. Some Koran Angelfish have been known to bully tank mates with a similar appearance or eating habits, but will usually ignore dissimilar, heterospecific tank mates; Koran Angelfish should be the last fish introduced into an aquarium.

Koran Angelfish are not compatible in a reef environment as they will pick at and destroy various sessile invertebrates (corals), sponges, clam mantles, crustaceans, and mollusks; as well as ornamental and nuisance marine algae. Due to their hardiness and excellent coloration, Koran Angelfish are ideal candidates for more advanced hobbyists with large FOWLR systems and are commonly available via local and online retailers.

Aquarium Care

How to successfully keep Koran Angelfish in the home aquarium.

Koran Angelfish should be housed in an aquarium of at least 125 gallons and must be provided with a large amount of live rock for grazing, hiding, and territory. In addition to open swimming space, high light intensity, and strong water movement they demand pristine water conditions and must be provided with quality filtration to include biological and mechanical as well as efficient protein skimming.

Due to the presence of opercular spines on many angelfish species, its not recommended to net them as they can get stuck, causing severe gill damage. A flattened net used in conjunction with a container can be used to collect a specimen if the need should arise; the specimen could be coaxed into the container with the net, which can then be used to cover the top to prevent escape.

Although they will coexist peacefully with dissimilar tank mates (which are often ignored altogether), as Koran Angelfish mature they will become highly aggressive towards conspecific and similar, heterospecific tank mates; only one Koran Angelfish should be housed per aquarium and is recommended as the last tank inhabitant to be added to a system. They are recommended for large FOWLR systems and are not compatible in a reef aquarium as they will eat cleaning crews, ornamental marine algae, coral species, mollusks, and sponges.

Feeding & Nutrition

How to feed and provide proper nutrition for Koran Angelfish.

Koran Angelfish are omnivores that mainly feed upon crustaceans, coral species, marine algae, sponges, and zooplankton in the wild. Their aquarium diet should consist of a variety of live, fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped clams, marine algae, zucchini, spinach, romaine lettuce, nori, and quality Spirulina-based flake foods for angelfish and herbivores. Feed multiple small meals each day (at least 3 times).

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