Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)

  • Blue-Ringed Angelfish (Pomacanthus Annularis) with Blue-Streak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides Dimidiatus)

    Blue-Ringed Angelfish (Pomacanthus Annularis)
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    Mon, 07/04/2011 - 17:00

    The Blue-Ringed Angelfish (Pomacanthus Annularis) is one of only two Angelfish commonly found in local waters, the other being the slightly larger Six-Banded Angelfish (Pomacanthus Sexstriatus).

    Easily identified with its overall purple/yellow colouration, white tail and upward curving neon blue lines.

    There is a neon blue circle above the eye from which this species derives its common name.

    One interesting feature that appears to differentiate individuals found in local waters from their counterparts on Thailand's west coast is the lack of a trailing filament from the back of the dorsal fin. This filament appears to be common on west coast individuals but i have yet to see it on any individual found in the Gulf of Thailand.

    The Blue-Ringed Angelfish grows to a maximum size of around 45cm and feeds on a diet consisting of algae, sponges and live coral flesh on occasion.

    They are a very common species, usually found in pairs at all of the main diving and snorkelling sites we visit.

  • Six-Banded Angelfish (Pomacanthus Sexstriatus)

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    The Six-Banded Angelfish (Pomacanthus Sexstriatus) is one of only two Angelfish species commonly found in local waters, the other being the Blue-Ringed Angelfish (Pomacanthus Annularis).

    Slightly Larger than its more colourful relative, the Six-Banded Angelfish grows to a maximum length of around 50cm and feeds on a diet of algae, sponges and live coral flesh occasionally.

    Usually found in pairs, this species is very easy to identify due to its large size, overall yellow-ish colouration with around 6 dark vertical bars along the length of its body.

    There are small blue spots on the scales and fins and the head is black with a prominent white vertical bar behind the eye.

    The Six-Banded Angelfish can be found at all commonly visited locations and is reasonably easy to approach for good photograph opportunities.

    At the offshore sites such as Sail Rock, Koh Phangan, they are often found slightly deeper than the Blue-Ringed Angelfish, although will venture up to depths of around 10m.