40+ Angelfish Types That Will Blow Your Mind

Angelfish are cool fish that come in a variety of vibrant colors that would surely make for an interesting addition to any aquarium.

They grow large, some varieties prefer certain types or amounts of vegetation in their environment and others may be more aggressive than the rest! 

You’ll want to do your research before purchasing one though- there are tons out on the market so you gotta choose wisely!

In this article, we will briefly go through the various types of this mighty fish to help you make up your mind to choose the most suitable one for your aquarium.

So, without further ado, let’s jump into it.

1. Koi Angelfish

The body of the koi Angelfish is diamond-shaped and compressed laterally. 

It has round triangular dorsal and anal fins that make its body looks significant. 

When swimming through water at various speeds, the dorsals serve to support the body.

There are many types of koi angelfish such as Red Koi Angelfish, Ghost Koi Angelfish, Blushing Koi Angelfish, and more, all of them differ in shape and coloration.

Koi Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Pterophyllum
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Origin: Northern South America
  • Aggression: is Generally peaceful, but can be territorial during spawning.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a pair
  • Length: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) tall
  • Diet: Omnivorous. 
  • Ease of Care: Moderately hardy
  • pH Level: 6.0 – 7.4
  • Temperature: 76° – 86° F (24° – 30° C)

2. Flame Angelfish

The Flame Angelfish has a round body and rounded fins, just like other dwarf angels.

They are wonderful fish with vibrant colors that vary dramatically depending on their origin.

These species may be found throughout much of the tropical Indo-Pacific, but their colors and patterns differ depending on where they live at sea level or higher up near Samoa, for example!

Two distinct types of angelfish can be found in the Pacific Ocean.

One variety, which may be found on Marshall Island reefs and the Christmas Islands, is a brilliant crimson with only a little orange showing on its scales.

In contrast, there exists another kind from this area that has more oranges mixed into an otherwise typical color scheme for Angels.

Flame Angelfish Characteristics

  • Common Names: Flaming Angelfish, Flame Angel, Fire Angelfish, and Japanese Pygmy Angelfish.
  • Scientific Name: Centropyge loricula
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: Pacific Ocean
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Length: 6 inches
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Breeding: Rarely breeds 
  • Ease of Care: Moderate
  • pH Level: 8.1–8.4
  • Temperature: 72-80℉

3. Queen Angelfish

Queen Angelfish and other bony fish have a sturdy internal structure that supports their flexible fins, allowing them to move with accuracy.

H. ciliaris has two distinct color variants, the first is yellow throughout, while the second is green overall.

Both have a blue lining on the median fins, around the mouth, over the gill cover, at the base of the pectoral fins, and on the chest.

Queen Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus ciliaris
  • Common Names: Queen Angelfish, Blue Angelfish, or Yellow Angelfish
  • Family: Marine angelfishes
  • Origin: Western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean to Brazil, South America, usually found near the bottom of coral reefs.
  • Aggression: They can be aggressive with other angelfish, especially other queens angelfish.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
  • Breeding: Very difficult to breed in captivity. Egg scatterer.
  • Size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm)
  • Life Span: 15 – 20 years, possibly longer
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • pH Level: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Temperature: 76° – 86° F (24° – 30° C)

4. Peppermint Angelfish

The peppermint angelfish Centropyge boylei) is a deep, oval-shaped fish with five white vertical bars on an orange background. These stripes also reach into their fins! 

The caudal fin is translucent, and the dorsal and anal fins are bordered in white.  Its face and chin are also white.

Peppermint Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge boylei
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: The central Pacific Ocean
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: at least 70 gallons
  • Length: 4 inches
  • Diet: Omnivorous. 
  • Ease of Care: Not for beginners
  • pH Level: 7.9 – 8.4
  • Temperature: around 72°F (22-24 Celsius).

5. Koran Angelfish

Koran Angelfish may be one of the most perplexing species in this genus.

There’s an adult form that doesn’t resemble its juvenile counterpart, which can cause researchers some concern when viewing these pets.

An adult’s hue is yellow-green and bleeds from brilliant to dark as it travels from front to rear along the body.

The juvenile version of this species, on the other hand, has a blue-black back dotted with tiny white stripes that become increasingly curved as they approach the base of its tail.

Koran Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus
  • Common Names: Semicircle Angelfish, Koran Angel
  • Family: Marine angelfishes
  • Origin: Indo-Pacific at depths of 1 to 30 meters, found in singles or sometimes pairs near heavy coral cover.
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
  • Length: 16 inches (40 cm)
  • Diet: Omnivorous. 
  • Ease of Care: difficult to care for – needs a big tank.
  • pH Level: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Temperature: 72°F – 88°F

6. Lemonpeel Angelfish

The Lemonpeel Angelfish is a tiny, elongated oval-shaped fish with rounded fins that has the typical dwarf species form.

It can be found in any lake around the world owing to its popularity as an aquarium pet!

The Centropyge flavissimus has a beautiful chrome yellow body, a blue ring around the eye, and dark-blue vertical fin edges.

The Juveniles are also colored in this way, but they have an ocellus or eyespot in the middle of their bodies that are big black dots edged with light blue known as “ocelli,”

Lemonpeel Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge flavissimus
  • Common Names: Lemonpeel dwarf angelfish, lemon peel angel
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: Pacific oceans
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for a pair, but a larger tank is required for a group
  • Length: Up to 5.5 inches
  • Diet: Omnivorous. 
  • Ease of Care: Not for beginners
  • pH level: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Temperature: 72 to 80 F

7. Marble Angelfish

The body of a marble angel is diamond-shaped and compressed laterally, with long triangular dorsal and anal fins.

The marble angelfish has a variety of hues, however, when all varieties are compared, it turns out that silver angelfish are the most frequent.

This fish is silver in color with black horizontal stripes that run vertically down its length, which makes it both appealing in freshwater and saltwater settings.

There are also other types of marble angelfish, such as Black marble angelfish, Gold marble angelfish, and Blue marble angelfish, which all have different shapes and color patterns.

Marble Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare.
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Origin: South America.
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Length: 6 inches
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Ease of Care: Easy
  • pH Level: 6-7 
  • Temperature: 24-38 degrees Celsius

8. Coral Beauty Angelfish

The Colar Beauty Angelfish is a big-bodied fish with a small head and large fins that have a pointed snout and continuous dorsal fin without any free rear tips.

This fish is one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. It varies in color and pattern according to where it was harvested in the wild.

They’re usually crimson or orange with black markings and a purplish head and fins.

Some are entirely blue, while others are yellow, pale yellow, or even white.

The intensity of the vertical dark lines on these may be lower than on other fish.

Coral Beauty Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge bispinosa
  • Common Names: Two Spined Angelfish, Dusky Angelfish
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: Indo-Pacific.
  • Life Span: 10 – 15 years or longer in the wild
  • Breeding: Very difficult to breed in captivity.
  • Aggression: They are peaceful but can b aggressive in small tanks
  • Minimum Tank Size: 70 Gallon (320 Litres)
  • Length: 4 inches (10cm)
  • Diet: omnivorous
  • Ease of Care: Easy
  • pH Level: 8.1 to 8.4 
  • Temperature: 24°C to 27°C
  • Reef Safe: No

9. Platinum Angelfish

Platinum angelfish have diamond-shaped bodies that are laterally compressed and triangular dorsal and anal fins.

The color of the Platinum Angelfish is pure white with blue edging around its scales. Because of this hue, the name Platinum Angelfish was given to it.

They can reach a length of up to 6 inches and a height of 8 inches or more.

Platinum Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum sp
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Origin: Amazon basin in South America
  • Aggression: moderately aggressive 
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Length: 6 inches
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Ease of Care: Easy
  • pH Level: 6.0 and 7.4 
  • Temperature: 76ºF to 86ºF
  • Cost: 13$

10. Yellow Angelfish

The majority of this angelfish’s hues are brilliant yellow, with the exception of some variants. 

It has a somewhat “lemon” appearance and males may have a little black on their faces, but both genders are yellow overall. 

There is one variant from the Coral Sea region of the Great Barrier Reef. This species has a black horizontal band on the uppermost back of its dorsal fin and, rarely, a black saddle.

Yellow Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge Heraldi
  • Common Names: Yellow Angelfish, Herald’s Angelfish, False Lemonpeel Angelfish, Yellow Pygmy Angelfish
  • Family: Marine angelfishes
  • Origin: The Pacific Ocean, from Taiwan to the Tuamotu Island / Southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef
  • Aggression: Semi- Aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
  • Length: 4.7 inches
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Ease of Care: Moderate
  • pH Level: 8.0 – 8.4 
  • Temperature: 72.0 – 82.0° F

11. Panda Angelfish

Pterophyllum Scalare Panda Angelfish is one of the most unusual color variants of Angelfish and are highly prized.

They will always be white with black spots inside. The dorsal fin, on the other hand, is bordered in white while the other fins are transparent.

The size of Pterophyllum Scalare Panda Angelfish will be determined by its age and water quality, but don’t expect them to grow much larger than 15 cm.

Panda Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
  • Family: Cichlids
  • Origin: South America
  • Aggression: Semi- AggressiveAggressic
  • Minimum Tank Size:  50 gallons
  • Length: Grows to approximately 15cm
  • Diet: Omnivorous 
  • pH Level: 6.5 – 7.5 
  • Temperature: 25°c – 28°c

12. Pygmy Angelfish

Pygmy angelfish are tiny fish with deep oval bodies and short, blunt snouts.

There is a long, sharp spine at the angle of the preoperculum, which has serrated vertical edges. This fish’s body is a blue to intense blue color. The head and chest are an orangish to yellow color,

A few frogs may have a touch of yellow on the snout and hints of it in the chin area. The thin blue line that encircles the eye is visible.

Additionally, the outer edges of the pectoral fins are pale yellow, with a light blue trim.

Pygmy Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge
  • Common Names: Cherubfish, Pygmy Angelfish, Atlantic Pygmy Angel
  • Family: Pomacanthidae(Marine angelfish)
  • Origin: Deeper waters of the Western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Bahamas, and the Caribbean
  • Aggression: Aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
  • Size: 3 inches
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Ease of Care: Moderate
  • pH Level: 8.1 – 8.4 
  • Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
  • Life span: 5 years, maybe longer
  • Cost: About 50$

13. Zebra Angelfish

Zebra Angelfish has long triangular dorsal and anal fins, a long forked tail, a tiny mouth, and a spine placed on the lower curve of the cheekbone.

Almost all wild individuals are striped lengthwise for camouflage purposes. There are three types of Zebra angelfish, Zebra Angelfish, Silver Zebra Angelfish, and Blue Zebra Angelfish all of them have their own hues and patterns.

Zebra Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus
  • Family: Cichlid
  • Origin:  South America
  • Aggression: Semi Aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Size: 10 inches (25 cm)
  • Diet: Omnivores 
  • Ease of Care: Moderate
  • pH Level: 6 – 7.4 
  • Temperature: 79 – 83 degrees

14. Emperor Angelfish

Emperor Angelfish are deep-bodied fish with somewhat elongated bodies. 

They have powerful, bulky jaws that allow them to crunch on sponges. Their digestive system produces a mucus layer that protects their stomach from the sharp silica in the sponges.

Over their oval-shaped body, the males have prominent dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins. 

In male Emperor Angelfish, the frontal section of their eye mask is blue in color, while females’ are gray-blue. This is one method for telling their gender.

The Emperor Angelfish goes through three distinct phases (juvenile, sub-adult, and adult), and they undergo various physical changes as they mature. Not only in size, but also in color.

Emperor Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Pomacanthus Imperator
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: Indo-Pacific
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 175 gallons
  • Length: Up to 12 inches
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Ease of Care: Moderately hardy
  • pH Level: 6.0 – 7.4
  • Temperature: 72-28 F (22-25 C)

15. French Angelfish

The French angelfish has a thin, deep body with comb-like teeth and a tiny mouth. The lower jaw protrudes further than the upper jaw.

There is a prominent spine at the corner of the preopercle bone that protrudes past the top jawline. In immature fish, this spine is serrated while it becomes smooth in adults.

The pectoral fin extends beyond the base of the anal fin when it is depressed. In adulthood, the caudal fin has a nearly straight terminal edge.

The entire disc-shaped body is dark gray to black, with bright yellow edges on the mid and posterior scales and circles around each eye.

French Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Pomacanthus paru
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Origin: Caribbean
  • Aggression: Semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons (680 liters)
  • Length: maximum length of 24 inches (61 cm)
  • Diet: Omnivorous. 
  • Ease of Care: Moderate
  • pH Level: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Temperature: 72-78°F

16. Regal Angelfish

Regal Angelfish have a bony endoskeleton and a scaly exoskeleton. For swimming, they have two lateral fins on either side of their body, along with a streamlined body and a caudal fin for quick movement in the water.

The Regal Angelfish juveniles don’t show any true distinctions until they grow up in size.

The basic coloration of this fish is yellow to orange with white vertical bars that are angled with black and blue outlines reaching into the front part of the dorsal fin, while the back of the dorsal fin is solid blue.

The tail, pectoral and pelvic fins are all the same color as the rest of the fish. The blue-and-yellow striped anal fin completes this vivid pattern.

Regal Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Pygoplites diacanthus
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Indo-Pacific Ocean
  • Aggression: Peaceful, passive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons (for adults)
  • Length: 10 inches
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Ease of Care: Expert
  • pH Level: 8.1–8.4
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F

17. King Angelfish

The body shape of this King angelfish is oval like that of other angelfish and is laterally compressed.

By nearly two-thirds of its length, the posterior tips of the dorsal and anal fins overlap the caudal fin in some specimens.

The mouth is tiny, and the snout is rounded. 

A prominent feature of the Pomacanthidae family, which includes angelfish, is a long and strong spine that runs back horizontally from the lower cheek region.

The color of the fish also varies, with juveniles exhibiting distinct patterns from adults.

King Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Holacanthus passer.
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: tropical Eastern Pacific from the Sea of Cortez to Ecuador and Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.
  • Aggression: Large Aggressive – Predatory.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 100 gal (379 L).
  • Length: 14.0 inches (35.56 cm)
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Ease of Care: Beginner.
  • pH Level: 8.0-8.4
  • Temperature: 66.0 to 81.0° F (18.9 to 27.2° C)

18. Golden Angelfish

The Golden Angelfish has the typical dwarf angel body shape. It is deep-bodied and rounded in form, although it somewhat has a tiny elongated oval-shaped body.

The Golden angelfish is a bright reddish-orange fish with many vertical thin golden bars on its flanks that runs down the body.

The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins all have a few black submarginal bands. A dark blue ring encircles the eyes.

Golden Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Centropyge aurantia.
  • Family: Pomacanthidae.
  • Origin: Western Pacific.
  • Aggression: Peaceful.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gal (114 L).
  • Length: 3.9 inches (10.01 cm).
  • Diet: Omnivore. 
  • Ease of Care: Advanced.
  • pH Level: 8.0 – 8.4.
  • Temperature: 73.0 – 81.0° F (22.8 to 27.2° C).

19. Masked Angelfish

The masked angelfish has a prominent, curved spine on its “cheek” near the gill cover’s edge, much as other angelfish.

The small, disc-shaped body of the masked fish is well-suited to life on a coral reef since it can dart in and out of holes seeking protection.

The masked angelfish have a wonderful coloration of brilliant white which gives them a stunning appearance throughout their life cycle.

Masked Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific: Name: Genicanthus personatus.
  • Family: Pomacanthidae.
  • Origin: Hawaii, Midway Islands.
  • Aggression: Peaceful.
  • Minimum Tank Size: 200 gallons.
  • Length: 8.3 inches 
  • Diet: Omnivore. 
  • Ease of Care: Expert
  • pH Level: 8.0 – 8.5
  • Temperature: 66.2 °F – 77 °F.

20. Philippine Blue Angelfish

They have elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins, a long forked tail, a small mouth, and a spine positioned on the lower curve of the cheekbone.

The Philippine Blue Angelfish, also known as Cobalt Blue Angelfish, has a black to silvery base color that is highlighted with a lovely blue to greenish hue around the head of the fish.

Philippine Blue Angelfish Characteristics

  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Origin: Northern South America
  • Aggression: semi-aggressive
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a pair
  • Length: 3.5 – 4 inches long, over 14 inch tall
  • Diet: Omnivore. 
  • Ease of Care: Moderately hardy
  • pH Level: 6.5 – 7
  • Temperature: 75° – 82° F 

21. Majestic Angelfish

Majestic angelfish may be found in areas with substantial coral coverage, from lagoons to outer reefs.

It is also known as the blue-girdled angelfish because of its bright blue color.

However, adult specimens have more bright yellow around their necks and gills than younger fish.

Majestic Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus Navarchus
  • Common Name: Majestic Angelfish, Blue Gilled Angelfish, Navarchus angelfish, Blue-gilled angelfish
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Original Part of the World: Indo-Pacific
  • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
  • Reef Safe: With caution
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Color Form: Black, Yellow, Blue
  • Max Size: 12 to 14 inches (8 to 10 is more common)
  • Lifespan: Up to 21 years
  • Preferred Diet: Omnivore
  • Minimum Tank Size: 180 Gallons (681L)
  • Water Conditions: 74-78°F, dKH 8 to 11.5, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
  • Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced
  • Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately, Hardy, when acclimated

22. Rock Beauty Angelfish

Rock beauty angelfish love to play in the aquarium. You will probably see them swim back and forth across the tank and hover around the surface.

They may be found in the wild among coral reefs, where they use their brightly colored scales to blend in with the coral.

The adult Rock Beauty Angelfish is a flat, deep-bodied fish, while youngsters are rounder and have a somewhat elongated well-balanced body.

Rock Beauty Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus tricolor 
  • Common Names: Corn sugar, coshubba, rock beasty, Catalina, and yellow nanny
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
  • Aggression: Semi-Aggressive
  • Care Level: Expert
  • Reef Safe: no
  • Length: 8 inches
  • Color Form: Black, Yellow
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
  • pH: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
  • Temperature: 72-78° F
  • Specific Gravity: sg 1.020-1.025 

23. Blueface Angelfish

This Blueface fish is sometimes mistaken for the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) or blue angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis), but they both have a completely blue face and lack the caudal eyespot.

Their mouth is positioned just above the snout’s tip, while the fins are huge and rounded with yellow edges bordered in blue.

However, the juvenile hue differs significantly from that of adults, with six vertical white bars separated by pale blue lines and a caudal fin barred in two tones of blue.

Blueface Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus xanthometopon
  • Common Name: Blueface Angelfish, Yellowface Angelfish
  • Origin: Coral Sea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
  • Color: yellow, blue, black
  • Max Size: 15″
  • Adult Size: 1ft 3in
  • Life span: ten years or more extended
  • Aggressiveness: Caution Needed
  • Reef Safe: With caution
  • Fish Diet: Omnivore
  • Aquarium Size: 220 gallons (832 liters) minimum
  • Temperature Range: 72-78°F
  • Water Parameters: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
  • Specific gravity: 1.023 – 1.025

24. Gray Angelfish

The gray angelfish has a discus-shaped body with elongated filaments on the anal and dorsal fins. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the top jaw. Their tiny mouth features comblike teeth.

In addition, the vertical fins are all the same size, and the dorsal fin is continuous, assisting in the separation from its nearby relative, the spadefish.

The pectoral fin, on the other hand, covers more than half of the base of the anal while the caudal fin is rounded in youngsters and becomes increasingly straight with age.

Gray Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus arcuatus
  • Common Name: gray angelfish
  • Family: the Pomacanthidae
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Class: Osteichthyes
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Genus Species: Pomacanthus arcuatus
  • Origin: the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil
  • Size: 25.4 to 45.7 cm (10 to 18 in.) avg; 61 cm (24 in.) max
  • Weight: 1.8 kg (4.0 lbs.) max
  • Specific gravity: 1,020:1,025
  • Temperature: between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F) 
  • pH level: between 8.0 and 8.3 

25. Annularis Angelfish

The Annularis angelfish are a stunning deep orange shade and have a magnificent bright white caudal fin, thus they were once known as butterflyfish owing to their compressed bodies and butterfly qualities.

They are also members of the family Pomacanthidae, which makes them relatives of butterflyfishes since they share “similar features such as deep compressed bodies, ctenoid scales that extend out along the median fins, and a tiny mouth with brush-like teeth.”

Annularis Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pomacanthus annularis
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Pomacanthus
  • Species: Pomacanthus annularis
  • Common Name: Blue Ring Angelfish, Annularis Angelfish, Blue King Angelfish
  • Origin: East Africa, Indo-West Pacific, Indonesia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Southern Japan.
  • Care Level: Difficult
  • Size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm), most get up to about 12 inches (30 cm)
  • Lifespan: 15 – 20 years, possibly longer
  • Tank Size: 180 gallons (680 liters) minimum
  • Temperature: 72°F – 76°F (22°C – 24°C) 
  • pH: dKH 8 – 12
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025 
  • Behavior: Shy at first, get more aggressive growing up

26. Clarion Angelfish

The clarion angelfish is a stunning, colorful fish that belongs to the Pomacanthidae family and has been described as one of the more colorful species.

They have bright orange hues all over their body, with blue stripes interspersed throughout them for added flair.

Moreover, they have a quadrilateral body that is laterally compressed and tiny mouths with brush-like teeth, as well as a long spine on their gill covers.

Clarion Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus clarionensis
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Holacanthus
  • Species: clarionensis
  • Common Name: Clarion Angelfish
  • Origin: Eastern Pacific Ocean
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 8 inches
  • Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Tank Size: 180 gallons or greater.
  • Temperature: between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F).
  • pH: between 8.0 and 8.3
  • Specific Gravity: between 1,020 and 1,025.
  • Behavior: Semi-aggressive

27. Swallowtail Angelfish

The most apparent feature of these species is their shape. It is strongly compressed laterally, like most of its family members.

However, it is curvier than other angels. Its head, shoulder, and belly taper towards the front in a fiery comet-like manner, as do many in its family.

They also have tiny mouths with three or four rows of tiny bristle-like teeth, and frequently with three-pointed tips.

Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Holacanthus melanospilos
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Genicanthus
  • Species: semifasciatus
  • Common Name: Black-spot angelfish, spotbreast angelfish, Japanese swallowtail angelfish, blackspot lyretail, and zebra angelfish
  • Origin: Western Indo-Pacific, Australia
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Size: 18cm (7.1″)
  • Lifespan: 10-15 years
  • Tank Size: 125 gallon
  • Tank Level: All areas
  • Lighting: Medium
  • Temperature: 72 to 78 F
  • pH: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Hardness: 8 to 12 dGH
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Behavior: peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Breeding: Egg scatterer
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Excellent – no threat to soft or stony corals

28. Albino Angelfish

The most frequent albino varieties are white or silver with crimson and orange markings. The color of their eyes is due to the lack of melanin in their skin, which gives them a crimson appearance.

Their bodies are flattened, and their heads feature bony plates that develop into branching tentacles as they mature.

Albino Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum sp
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Species: Angel Fish
  • Common Name: Albino Angelfish, Albino Angel
  • Necessary care: Minimum
  • Necessary experience: Minimum
  • Size: 6 inches / 15.2 cm
  • Lifespan: 8 to 9 years
  • Temperature: 24-29 Deg C / 76 – 84 Deg F
  • pH: pH 6.5 – 6.9 for wild varieties. Captive raised can be successfully kept in ph up to 7.8.
  • Reproduction difficulty: High
  • Origin: Amazon river basin of S. America
  • Tank Size: 30 gallon / 120 liter for an adult pair
  • Behavior: Keep with medium-sized peaceful fish that do not like to nip fins. Angels will eat smaller fish as they are ambush predators in the wild.
  • Diet: Angels readily accept flakes, small pellets, and frozen and live foods. Veil-tailed varieties are relatively slow-moving, so make sure they get their fair share of food.

29. Chocolate Angelfish

The Chocolate Angelfish is a beautiful species with a thin, tall body form with distinctive markings and coloration.

They have highly laterally compressed and have round bodies with elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins. The majority of the fish is colored in dark blue, brown, and black hues.

Characteristics

  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Species: Pterophyllum Scalare “Smokey”
  • Common Name: Panda Angelfish
  • Average Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) tall
  • Lifespan: More than 10 years
  • Temperature: 76° – 86° F (24° – 30° C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.4
  • Water Type; Hard
  • Origin: Tank-bred, but indigenous to Northern South America
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for a pair, but a larger tank is required for a group. The tall body shape of this fish must be considered regarding the height of its tank.
  • Behavior: Generally peaceful
  • Breed Type: Egg Layer
  • Diet: Omnivorous

30. Pearlscale Angelfish

The Pearscale Angelfish is a rare fish that lives on offshore reef slopes and lagoons. These fish are shy and elusive, making them difficult to find and study.

The front of the fish is brown to grey-green, while the back is black. The eye, pectoral-fin base, and opercular border are orange, while the anal fin, caudal fin, and rear part of the dorsal fin have blue edges.

Pearlscale Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge vrolikii
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Similar species: The Pearlscale Angelfish resembles the juvenile Mimic Surgeonfish, Acanthurus provirus, but can be distinguished by the presence of a large spine on the lower preopercular margin.
  • Alternative name/s: Pearl-scaled Angelfish
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Size: 6″ (12 cm)
  • Temperature: from about 75 to 82 degrees F
  • pH: 5.8 – 7
  • Origin: South America (Central Amazon, Peru, Eastern Ecuador)
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
  • Behavior: Semi-aggressive
  • Threat to humans: Harmless
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Color Form: White

31. Bellus Angelfish

They have a tiny, stubby dorsal fin and a long rear tail with a lyretail, which are characteristics that distinguish them from typical angelfish.

The Bellus Angelfish is sexually dichromatic, with males and females having distinct hues and patterns.

Since the females are also capable of switching colors rapidly. They’re generally blue or greyish, with wide black stripes and a blue stripe along the lower flanks that runs parallel to it.

The male is paler bluish or greyish with golden horizontal stripes on the fish’s body. These vertical stripes are found across the lower back and midline of the flank.

Bellus Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Genicanthus bellus
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Species: ray-finned fish
  • Common Name: Ornate Angelfish
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Aquarist Experience Level: Expert
  • Size: Up to 7 inches
  • Lifespan: 10 years
  • Temperature: Temperature 72°F – 76°F (22°C – 24°C)
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Water Hardness: 8-12 dKH
  • Specific Gravity: SG 1.020 – 1.025
  • Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean at depths of 20 to 100 meters
  • Tank Setup: Saltwater with live rocks or corals
  • Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
  • Tank Region: All over the aquarium.
  • Behavior: Semi-aggressive
  • Compatibility: Peaceful fish of a similar size
  • Color: Sexually dimorphic
  • Diet: Omnivore

32. Venustus Angelfish

The body of the Venustus Angelfish is a blue and yellow color combination. The nape is mostly yellow, with a narrow band of blue separating the yellow patches.

Blue is seen along the lower portion of the body, extending from near the front of the dorsal fin to just behind it.

The anal and pelvic fins are blue with yellow edges. The blue and yellow hues, on the other hand, may differ from one fish to another.

Venustus Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge venustus
  • Common Name: Purple Masked Angelfish, Blue-Backed Angelfish, Purplemask Angelfish
  • Care Level: Expert Only
  • Size: 5 inches
  • Origin: Western Pacific
  • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
  • Lighting: Dim lights until they acclimate
  • Behavior: Semi-aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: With Caution

33. Watanabe Angelfish

The eyes of the fish look like they are filled with fluid, similar to a Celestial Eye.

In both males and females, a wide submarginal band runs down the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the lobes of the caudal fin. Both genders’ tails fork near their bases and the narrowing base of both becomes a “swallowtail.”

The color and pattern of Watanabe Angelfish are different between males and females, just as with the other angelfishes in the genus Genicanthus.

Since the female is a translucent pale blue with a dark vertical fin and no stripes other than a dark rim around the dorsal and anal fins.

However, the body of the male is iridescent, pale blue. Long, horizontal dark lines that run down its length and one horizontal orange stripe extending towards the tail give the lower part of the body and anal fin a striking highlighting.

Watanabe Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Genicanthus Watanabe
  • Common Names: Watanabe’s Lyretail Angelfish and Blackedged Angel
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Species: marine ray-finned fish
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Aquarist Experience Level: Expert
  • Size: 6″
  • Color Form: Orange, Blue, White
  • Lifespan: 2-5 years
  • Temperature: 72-78°F
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Water Hardness: dKH 8 to 12
  • Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult to acclimate
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Origin: Pitcairn and the Society Islands
  • Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
  • Aquarium Type: Deepwater Reef
  • Lighting: dimly-lit tank
  • Behavior: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Aquarium Compatibility: Safe

34. Townsend Angelfish

The body of the Townsend Angelfish is deeply compressed laterally, with a deep, oval-shaped form. It has a short, pointed snout with tiny teeth, similar to those on a brush.

The juveniles differ in coloration and pattern from the adults. The body is yellowish in the anterior part, turning brownish-yellow halfway through.

Whereas the adult’s primary body color is bluish yellowish, with a brilliant yellow face. The front of their bodies has blue highlights on the chest and forehead, as well as blue and yellow pectoral fins with yellow margins on the tail.

35. Leopold Angelfish

It differs in several ways from other Pterophyllum species, including the lack of a pre-dorsal notch, a black spot at the dorsal insertion on the fourth vertical bar, Romero head shape, and so on.

The least-sized of the three angelfish species, this little angelfish grows to be about 5 centimeters long (or 2 inches).

Leopold Angelfish Characteristics

  • Family: Cichlidae, Subfamily Cichlastomatinae
  • Common Name: eardrop angelfish, Leopold angelfish or roman-nosed angelfish,
  • Size: 48 inches in length; a 55 gallon or more significant.
  • Temperature: 27-31C/81-88F
  • pH: 4.8 to 6.2
  • Water Hardness: 1-5 dGH (soft)
  • Origin & Habitat: South America – Amazon basin
  • Minimum Tank Size: 48 inches in length; a 55 gallon or more significant.
  • Compatibility: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Breeding: Leopold’s Angel is difficult to breed in the aquarium.

36. Bicolor Angelfish

The Bicolor Angelfish has a bright yellow anterior half of the body and a deep blue rear part. The head is yellow with a blue bar covering the eyes, and the tail is yellow.

These fish, are not for novices when it comes to caring since they’re quite delicate and need a well-balanced diet and excellent water conditions.

Bicolor Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge bicolor
  • Latin name: Centropyge bicolor – (Bloch, 1787)
  • Local name: Bicolor Angelfish
  • Family: Pomacanthidae – Centropyge
  • Species: Centropyge bicolor
  • Common Name: Gold and Blue Angelfish, Oriole Angelfish, Boray-boray, Two-color angel
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Suitable for Aquarium: Suitable with care
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 15 cm (5,9″)
  • Color: yellow, blue
  • Lifespan: 5 – 10 years or longer in the wild
  • Gender: No reliable way to determine the differences between males and females.
  • Temperature: 72 – 78 Fahrenheit
  • Breeding Temperature: 77.0° F – This will ensure hatching of 15-18 hours. Cooler temperatures will slow the process.
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Hardness: Average
  • Carbonate Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
  • Origin: East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia
  • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gal (208 L) – 55 gallons or more is recommended.
  • Average Tank Size: 300 l (79 gals)
  • Water Movement: Any – Calmer areas on the bottom are welcome.
  • Water Region: Bottom to mid-water sections.
  • Tank Region: Usually middle to bottom
  • Substrate Type: Any – This fish often forages for food in the substrate.
  • Lighting Needs: Any – Try to ensure the promotion of algae growth.
  • Temperament: Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Flake Food: yes
  • Pellet / Tablet: Sometimes
  • Live foods (fish, shrimp, worms): Varied live food within their diet – while not necessary they may be beneficial to condition them for spawning.
  • Vegetable Food: is 25% of their diet.
  • Meaty Food is 75% of their diet.
  • Feeding Frequency: Several times per day.
  • Breeding: is very difficult to breed in captivity partly due to their aggressive nature with members of their species.
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Not reef safe
  • Live Rock Requirement: Rock structures with ample hiding places are best.

37. Potter Angelfish

This species has a unique spine along the “cheek” near the gill cover’s edge, which distinguishes it from other angelfishes.

It is nearly transparent, with a disc-shaped body that is well-suited to life on a coral reef since it can nimbly crawl into and out of crevices in search of food or safety.

The Centropyge potter’s body is a brilliant orange, with thin vertical streaks that are blue to black in color and white tips.

Potter Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge potteri
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Centropyge
  • Species: C. potteri
  • Common Name: Russet Angelfish, Potter Angelfish
  • Care Level: Expert-only
  • Mature Size: 4 inches
  • Lifespan: 5 years, likely longer
  • Temperature: 72°F – 80°F (22°C – 27°C)
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
  • Carbonate Hardness: (dKH): 8 – 12°
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.025
  • Origin: Hawaii
  • Min. Tank Size: 75 gallons
  • Tank Region: Middle to bottom
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Breeding: Difficult
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: With Caution
  • Gender: No differences

38. Midnight Angelfish

These fish come from Fiji’s inshore and offshore reefs, as well as the Indo-Pacific region where they dwell among coral reefs and rocky outcrops.

The color of the midnight angelfish is generally bluish-black with a patch of uneven yellow on the gill cover and above the pectoral fin.

Midnight Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Centropyge the nox
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Centropyge
  • Species: Centropyge nox
  • Common Name: Black Nox Angelfish, Black Pygmy Angelfish, Midnight Nox Angelfish
  • Care Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 4 inches
  • Lifespan: Up to 5 years
  • Origin: Western Pacific
  • Tank Size: 30 gallons-70 gallons
  • Behavior: Semi-aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: With Caution

39. Purplemask Angelfish

The purplemask angelfish has a flat, oval-shaped body with a huge dorsal fin that tapers radically at the top, giving it the look of a square.

The head of this fish is rounded as well as pointed, and it also has huge fleshy lips with teeth arranged like a brush.

Furthermore, these beautiful species have a lovely blue and yellow coloration.

Purplemask Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Paracentropyge venusta
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Centropyge
  • Species: C. venusta
  • Care Level: Expert
  • Size: 5 inches
  • Colors: Blue, orange, yellow
  • Lifespan: Up to 6 years
  • Temperature: 74-79° F / 23-27° C
  • pH: 8.1-8.5
  • Carbonate Hardness: dKH 8-12
  • Specific Gravity: sg. 1021-1.025
  • Origin: Indo-Pacific
  • Tank Size: 75 gallon
  • Acclimation Time: 3+ hours
  • Behavior: Semi-Aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Monitor

40. Cream Angelfish

These are often known as cherubs or guardian angels, which may be seen in many paintings and other media. However, there is a different sort of angel that may be found more frequently in the tropics than in heaven.

The cream angelfish are gorgeous fish with pale bodies and brilliant orange fins. Despite the fact that they may not have heavenly abilities, these sea angels will add a touch of beauty to any aquarium.

Cream Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Apolemichthys xanthurus
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Apolemichthys
  • Species: A. xanthurus
  • Common Name: Cream Angelfish, Cream Angel, Xanthurus Cream Angel, Indian Yellowtail Angelfish, Yellowtail Black Angelfish, Yellowtail Angelfish
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced
  • Size: 5.9 inches
  • Color: Black, Yellow
  • Lifespan: Up to 10 years
  • Temperature: 72-78°F
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Carbonate Hardness: dKH 8 to 12
  • Specific Gravity: sg 1.020-1.025
  • Origin: Western Indian Ocean
  • Tank Size: 75-125 gallons
  • Tank Level: All levels
  • Aquarium Type: Deepwater Reef
  • Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
  • Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner
  • Lighting: Moderate
  • Behavior: Highly Aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Breeding: Tough
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Not Reef Compatible

41. Goldflake Angelfish

Goldflake Angelfish can reach a length of up to 10 inches and are native to the central Pacific Ocean.

The name “sparkling gold” refers to the golden spots that cover the entire body of this fish. These dots are set against a black background, creating a stunning contrast.

Goldflake Angelfish Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus
  • Domain: the Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Metazoa
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae
  • Genus: Apolemichthys
  • Species: Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus
  • Common Name: Gold-spangled Angelfish, Goldspotted Angelfish, Gold-Speckled Angelfish, Golden Spotted Angelfish, and Golden-spangled Angelfish.
  • Care Level: Moderate
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 10 inches (25 cm)
  • Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
  • Temperature: 74.0 to 82.0° F (23.3 to 27.8° C)
  • pH: 8.0-8.4
  • Specific Gravity: 1.023-1.025 SG
  • Origin: Central Pacific Ocean: the Caroline Islands, and east to the Gilbert, Gilbert, Phoenix, Cook, and the Line Islands
  • Tank Size: 150 gallons
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Reef Aquarium Compatibility: No – will nip clam mantles, large and small polyped stony (LPS/SPS) corals and some soft corals.

Last Words

The more you know about the types of angelfish, like what they look like or their care requirements for aquariums indoors and outdoors, the easier it’ll be to choose one that will work well in your setup.

We’ve introduced some common varieties here but there are so many other ones too!

We hope you have enjoyed this article as much as we did. If you still have any questions please share them with us in the comment section below.