Majestic Angelfish

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceMid-size tank

  Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment10–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Majestic or Blue Girdled Angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus) comes from the western Pacific and reaches about 25 cm. Adults carry a deep blue front half speckled with pale blue spots and a yellow rear and tail, with a blue mask over the face. Juveniles are dark blue with white and blue bars and look nothing like the adult. It needs 600 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024 to 1.026, pH 8.1 to 8.4, in a mature tank with abundant live rock and caves to retreat into. Feed a sponge-based frozen angelfish food, mysis, enriched brine shrimp and nori several times a day. It is easier to feed than a regal angelfish and generally settles well, though it is shy at first and needs cover. Like most large angels it will sample stony corals, clams and zoanthids, so it is a fish for a fish-only or lightly stocked mixed reef rather than a full SPS display. Keep only one large angelfish of this body shape per tank.

• How active is a Majestic Angelfish?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Majestic Angelfish need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Majestic Angelfish need?

  Mid-size tank. Needs a mid-size aquarium with room to swim.

• Is a Majestic Angelfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Majestic Angelfish live?

  10–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Majestic Angelfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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