Blue Ring Angelfish - Adult, Small

Introduction: • Common Names: Blue Ring Angelfish, Blue-ringed Angelfish • Natural Habitat: Found in tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, including areas such as the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the coastlines of Indonesia and the Philippines. Physical Characteristics: • Appearance: Recognizable by its striking appearance with a blue-ringed pattern on its body, bright yellow to orange body with darker vertical stripes, and blue and white markings on its fins. • Size: Typically grows up to 12 inches (30 cm). • Lifespan: Lives up to 10-15 years with proper care in a well-maintained aquarium. Habitat Requirements: • Tank Size: Minimum of 125 gallons to accommodate their active swimming and territorial behavior. • Water Conditions: o Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C). o pH: 8.1-8.4. o Salinity: 1.023-1.026 specific gravity. • Aquascaping: Needs plenty of live rock for grazing, hiding, and territorial marking. The tank should have moderate to strong water flow to mimic natural reef currents. Diet: • Primary Diet: Omnivorous, feeds mainly on algae, sponges, and small invertebrates in the wild. • Supplemental Feeding: Offer a varied diet of high-quality frozen or pellet foods, nori, algae sheets, and occasional meaty foods like brine shrimp or mysis. • Feeding Frequency: Feed several times a day, ensuring a varied and balanced diet to keep the fish healthy. Compatibility: • Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly when it comes to other angelfish or similar species. • Suitable Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful or semi-aggressive species, such as tangs, wrasses, and other large reef fish. Avoid housing with smaller fish that may be seen as food. • Incompatibilities: Avoid keeping with other large angelfish or species with similar body shapes to reduce aggression. Care Level: • Difficulty: Moderate to advanced; requires a large, stable tank and consistent water parameters. • Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of stress or disease, such as marine ich or fin rot, and ensure the fish’s diet remains varied and balanced. Breeding: • Breeding in Captivity: Difficult to breed in captivity, though successful spawning has been recorded in very large, well-maintained tanks. • Spawning: Typically form pairs, releasing eggs into open water where external fertilization occurs. Economic Considerations: • Market Demand: Highly sought after due to its striking appearance and relatively rare status in the aquarium trade. • Pricing: Generally priced in the higher range due to its size, care needs, and attractiveness. Conclusion: The Blue Ring Angelfish is a stunning and sophisticated addition to large reef aquariums, known for its vibrant coloration and unique pattern. While requiring a spacious and well-maintained environment, this fish can thrive with proper care and attention. Its beauty and graceful swimming behavior make it a prized possession for experienced marine aquarists.