Purple Moon Angelfish [Pomacanthus maculosus]

Purple Moon Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)

The Purple Moon Angelfish is a striking large marine angelfish admired for its rich blue-purple body, bold yellow mid-body band and elegant adult finnage. Juvenil

.es look quite different, showing darker bodies with curved blue and white striping, which makes this species especially interesting as it matures. Native to the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and wider western Indian Ocean, it is an active, intelligent fish that tends to become more territorial with age. Because of its eventual size, confident nature and need for a spacious, mature marine aquarium, it is generally better suited to more experienced aquarists.

Common Name:
Purple Moon Angelfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pomacanthus maculosus

Maximum Size:
Up to 50 cm (in captivity)

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman; typically found around reef-associated habitats, often in silty reef areas, rocky areas and near the bottom at moderate depths.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive to territorial; best kept with suitably robust tankmates, and may become aggressive towards other angelfish or similarly shaped fish as it matures.

Diet:
Omnivorous. A varied diet is best, including quality frozen foods such as mysis and enriched brine shrimp, marine algae, and high-quality pellets or flakes once settled.

Minimum Tank Size:
950 litres minimum is advisable for long-term care.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active, diurnal species that spends much of the day cruising rockwork, grazing and exploring. It is usually kept singly and benefits from plenty of swimming space alongside caves and crevices for shelter.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a large, mature marine aquarium with stable water quality and plenty of rock structure. This species is not generally reef safe, as it may nip at corals, sessile invertebrates and sponges. Secure aquascaping and good diet variety are important for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers. This is an inference based on its adult size, territorial behaviour and space requirements.

Availability:
Occasional in trade.