[Full Text Link]
Who?
Family: Pomacanthidae
Species: Pomacanthus paru
Species ID: P.PPb
Description: A large, disc-shaped fish with a prominent spine on the gill cover (1) and long, trailing streamers on the dorsal and anal fins (2). The body is dark grey to black with scales edged in bright yellow (3). Bright yellow markings also occur around the eyes and at the base of the pectoral fins (4). The sexes are similar in appearance. Juveniles are black with bright yellow vertical stripes
Maximum Size: 61 cm (24 in)
Longevity: Approximately 15 years
Status: Not currently on the IUCN endangered species list
French Angelfish & People: French angelfish are fished for local consumption. Juveniles are highly sought after for the aquarium trade
Where?
Geographical Range: Throughout the Eastern Caribbean; north along the coast of Florida, and south to Brazil. Not generally seen within the Gulf of Mexico
Coral Reef Zone: Found in back reef, fore reef and drop-off zones
Favourite Habitat: French angelfish prefer shallow reefs with rocky bottoms that offer plenty of shelter
Depth Range: 3–100 m (10–330 ft)
A Day in the Life:
Dawn: French angelfish emerge from nighttime shelters
Day: Adults defend territories and search for food, while juveniles act as cleaners
Dusk: Spawning occurs in deeper reef areas just after sunset
Night: French angelfish find shelter from nocturnal predators in reef crevices
Who Eats Who?
Adult French angelfish can grow to be relatively tough customers, and only the largest reef predators such as grouper and sharks are likely to prey on them. The French angelfish dines on sponges, and to a lesser extent, gorgonians and algae.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Prevent your garbage ending up in the sea. Stow your garbage—never throw it in the sea. Cigarette butts, plastic bags, bottles and other non-biodegradable garbage can remain in the environment for years, causing a threat to any forms of marine life. Turtles can mistake a plastic bag for a jellyfish, swallow it, and then slowly starve to death as their system is unable to digest plastic. Fishing line can entangle marine life and wrap around corals, eventually weakening and breaking them. When onboard a dive boat, always ensure that you stow garbage in a closed bin or bag, where it cannot blow away in the wind. Remember the maxim: “Take only pictures and memories; leave only bubbles.”
