Emperor Angelfish Ultimate Care Guide: Look, Size & All 2024

Emperor Angelfish is one of the most popular saltwater aquarium fish. They are beautiful fish and make a great addition to any saltwater tank.

However, caring for the emperor’s angelfish can be a bit challenging. They are territorial fish and need plenty of room to swim. They also require a lot of live rock for hiding and grazing.

If you are up for the challenge, Emperor Angelfish is an excellent saltwater tank addition.

This guide will give you everything you need to know about keeping Emperor Angelfish in your tank.

Emperor Angelfish: Species Summary

Scientific name:	Pomacanthus Imperator
Common name:	Imperial angelfish, Imperator angelfish or Emperor Angelfish
Description:	The Emperor Angelfish is a beautiful fish with a bright blue body and yellow stripes.
Habitat:	Atlantic Ocean
Size:	They can grow to a length of 15 inches.
Care level:	Moderate
Temperament:	Semi-Aggressive
Tank size:	At least 175 gallons
pH range:	8.0-8.3
Water Hardness:	8-12dKH
Nitrate level:	<10 ppm
Specific Gravity:	1.023-1.025
Temperature range:	70°-83° F
Food:	Omnivorous
Life span:	Up to 20 years
Compatibility:	Good

If you’ve ever dreamed of having an aquarium with a big, beautiful blue fish, the Emperor Angelfish is the one for you. Keep reading to learn more about these fantastic creatures.

Emperor Angelfish: Appearance

While all angelfish have beautiful colors, the Emperor Angelfish is particularly striking. They have bright blue bodies with yellow stripes that run their body length.

Their coloring of them can vary depending on their mood and environment. For example, they typically have a darker blue color when stressed. Scientists have even used the color of the emperor’s angelfish to measure coral stress levels.

The yellow stripes will fade as the fish ages, and the blue color will become more pronounced. Adults have horizontal stripes, while juveniles have vertical stripes.

The bottom portion of Emperor Angelfish’s body is a light purple or pink. However, the separation between the body and bottom colors is unclear. A thick black stripe runs from the fish’s eye to its tail.

Their fins of them are also quite striking. They have a blue color with black edging. For both juveniles and adults, the dorsal fin (the fin on the back) is taller than the other fins.

Appearance Of Juvenile Emperor Angelfish

Juvenile Emperor Angelfish looks more beautiful and vibrant in color.

Emperor Angelfish: Size & Growth Rate

In the open ocean, Emperor Angelfish can grow to 15 inches, but in the aquarium, they typically reach a maximum size of 8-12 inches.

Their growth rate of them is highly dependent on their environment. They will increase if kept in an aquarium with plenty of room and good food. However, if they are kept in a small tank with limited space and poor food, they will grow slowly or not at all.

Emperor Angelfish: Lifespan

The average Emperor Angelfish has a lifespan of 20 years, but they have been known to live even longer in the wild.

While you can expect your Emperor Angelfish to live a long time, you should also be prepared for them to die relatively young. This is simply the nature of keeping fish in an aquarium.

Emperor Angelfish: Territorial Nature

They are territorial fish and will defend their territory against other fish. In the wild, they inhabit coral reefs and can be found at depths of up to 60 feet. They should be kept in an aquarium of at least 175 gallons of live rock for hiding and grazing.

Emperor Angelfish: Behavior & Temperament

These very aggressive fish should only be kept with other aggressive fish. They are also very territorial and will claim territory in the aquarium. They will not share their territory with other fish and may become aggressive if another fish tries to enter their territory.

They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more. If kept in smaller groups, they may become aggressive toward each other.

At first, your Emperor Angelfish may be shy and stay hidden in the rocks and decorations. However, they will become more accustomed to their surroundings and start coming out into the open.

Once comfortable,  they will exhibit their distinct personality and become active and playful. They will also start to patrol their territory and not hesitate to chase away intruders.

Emperor Angelfish: Breeding

Breeding Emperor Angelfish in an aquarium can be challenging, but it is possible. The key to breeding these fish is understanding their breeding behavior and providing the right environment to spawn.

Males and females will get along well and start building a nest together. The male will become aggressive towards the female and may even attack her.

The eggs will be laid on the underside of a rock or in a cave and guarded by the male. He will not let anyone near the eggs, including the female.

The fry will hatch within three to four days and will be able to swim and feed themselves. The male will continue to guard them for about two weeks until they are large enough to survive independently.

Emperor Angelfish: Food & Diet

Emperor Angelfish are Omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods. They should be fed a diet high in protein and includes both meaty and vegetative foods.

Some good food choices for Emperor Angelfish include:

• Mysis shrimp is a vegetative food high in protein and other nutrients.
• Plankton: This is a vegetative food that is high in protein and other nutrients.
• Mussels: Mussels are a good source of protein and can be fed live or frozen.
• Cichlid pellets: Cichlid pellets are a good, all-around food choice for Emperor Angelfish. They are high in protein and contain both meaty and vegetative ingredients.
• Earthworms: Earthworms are a good source of protein and are also high in vitamins and minerals.
• Frozen bloodworms: Bloodworms are an excellent source of protein and can be found at most pet stores.
• Squid: This is a meaty food that is high in protein.
• Live brine shrimp: Brine shrimp are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Live blackworms: Blackworms are another excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
• Frozen brine shrimp: Brine shrimp are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

They will also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Some good choices include:

• Zucchini
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Peas
• Bell peppers
• Tomatoes

It is essential to provide a variety of foods for your Emperor Angelfish to get all the nutrients they need. If they only eat one type of food, they may develop nutritional deficiencies. You can also supplement your diet with vitamin and mineral supplements.

Emperor Angelfish: Diet Foods To Avoid

Emperor Angelfish should not be fed a diet high in fats and carbohydrates. This can cause them to develop health problems like obesity and swim bladder disease.

Some foods to avoid include:

• Fried foods: Fried foods are high in fats and should be avoided.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in carbohydrates and should also be avoided.
• Sugary foods: Sugary foods can cause obesity and other health problems.
• Bread: Bread is high in carbohydrates and should not be fed to Emperor Angelfish.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and should not be fed to Emperor Angelfish.

If you are feeding your Emperor Angelfish a diet that includes these foods, switching to a healthier diet is essential. This can be done gradually, over time, or you can switch to a commercial diet designed for Emperor Angelfish.

Emperor Angelfish: Care

Emperor Angelfish care is considered to be moderate. They are not as hard to care for as some saltwater fish, but they require a few things to thrive.

Remember that they are territorial fish and can become stressed if they don’t have enough space. So, ensure they have plenty of room in your aquarium.

Below are some key things you’ll need to consider when caring for them.

Emperor Angelfish: Tank Size

Emperor Angelfish should be kept in an aquarium of at least 175 gallons. However, you will need a much larger aquarium to house more than one fish.

 But, you do need to ensure the angelfish have enough space to swim and graze. So, don’t overcrowd your tank.

Adults will need about 50 gallons per fish, while juveniles will need about 30 gallons per fish.

Emperor Angelfish: Water Parameters

Emperor Angelfish requires slightly alkaline water with a pH of 8.0-8.3 and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.024. In addition, the water should be well-oxygenated and have a moderate to high flow rate.

• Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for Emperor Angelfish is 70°-83° Fahrenheit.
• Water Changes: They should be given a water change of about 20% weekly. Use good quality saltwater when changing the water in your Emperor Angelfish tank.

If you can provide them with the proper water parameters, Emperor Angelfish can be kept in various aquariums, including tanks with coral and other invertebrates.

Filtration

Emperor Angelfish need a good quality filter to help keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. A canister or a 3-4 stages wet/dry filter is ideal.

A good filter will help keep the water parameters stable and help to prevent diseases from developing in your aquarium.

Some of the famous Emperor Angelfish Filter brands are:

• Aqua clear: These Filters are very famous for their quality, and the price is reasonable.
• Rena Filstar: Rena Filstar is a bit more expensive than Aqua clear, but the quality is fantastic.
• Eheim: These filters are very high-end, and the price reflects that, but they are some of the best filters on the market.

Heater

Emperor Angelfish require a water temperature of 72° to 82° Fahrenheit. When setting up your aquarium, use a heater to maintain the water temperature at 72° to 82° F.

If the water temperature in your aquarium falls below 78° F, your Emperor Angelfish will become stressed and may even die.

Some famous heater brands are:

• Aqua Tech: Aqua tech is a common and affordable heater brand.
• Eheim: Eheim is a high-end heater brand known for its quality.
• Jager: Jager is a German heater company that makes some of the best heaters on the market.

Lighting

Emperor Angelfish need a moderate to high level of lighting. A good quality LED light or T5 light will work well.

Make sure to place your light so that it covers the entire tank. This will help to keep your Emperor Angelfish healthy and happy.

Some famous lighting brands are:

• Aqua Medic: Aqua Medic is a high-end LED light that is very popular in the aquarium hobby.
• Aqua One: Aqua One is a budget-friendly LED light that is great for beginner aquarists.
• TMC: TMC is a high-end brand that makes some of the best LED lights on the market.

Emperor Angelfish: Other Tank Accessories

Emperor Angelfish need a variety of other tank accessories to thrive.

In addition to a filter, heater, and light, you will need to provide your angelfish with the following:

• A good quality substrate like sand or crushed coral.
• Several pieces of live rock for them to graze on.
• A few decorations like shells or PVC pipes to swim through.
• A protein skimmer to help remove toxins from the water.
• Plants are not mandatory, but they can help to oxygenate the water and provide a hiding place for your angelfish.

If you can provide your Emperor Angelfish with all these things, they will be healthy and happy.

To keep the water in good shape and for your Emperor Angelfish to be as healthy as possible, it is essential to do regular water changes and to use good quality salt.

Emperor Angelfish: Cleaning The Tank

Before you do a water change, you must clean the tank. This can be done by using a gravel vac to suck up any waste or debris that has built up on the bottom of the tank.

You can also use an algae scrubber to clean the sides of the tank and remove any grown algae. Make sure to rinse everything off with fresh water when cleaning.

When changing the water in your Emperor Angelfish tank, it is essential to use good quality saltwater. A salt mix like Instant Ocean or Reef Crystals will work well.

If you use tap water to change the water in your aquarium, you must use a water conditioner like Prime or Aqua Safe to remove the chlorine and chloramine from the water.

Make sure to change at least 20% of the water in your tank every week. This will help to keep the water parameters stable and your angelfish healthy.

Emperor Angelfish: Common Possible Diseases

Unfortunately, Emperor Angelfish can be prone to several different diseases.

Some of the most common diseases include:

• Pectoral fin rot: This bacterial infection affects the pectoral fins. The fins will become red and inflamed and may start to rot.
• Head and lateral line erosion: This is another bacterial infection that causes the head and lateral line (a row of sensory pores on the sides of the fish) to erode.
• Dropsy: Dropsy is a severe bacterial infection that causes the fish to swell up with fluid. The fish will often have a sunken appearance and will eventually die.
• Fin rot: Fin rot is a common bacterial infection that causes the fins to rot and fall off.

If your Emperor Angelfish show any of these signs, it is essential to take them to a qualified fish veterinarian for treatment.

Emperor Angelfish: Other Common Problems

In addition to diseases, Emperor Angelfish can be prone to several other problems.

These can include:

• Swim bladder disease: This is a problem that causes the angelfish to have difficulty swimming. They may float at the top of the tank or sink to the bottom.
• Nutritional deficiencies: If your angelfish are not getting enough food, they may develop nutritional deficiencies. This can cause them to lose weight, have a poor appetite, and develop coloration problems.
• Ich: Ich is a parasitic infection that causes small white spots to form on the fish.

If your Emperor Angelfish are experiencing any of these problems, taking steps to correct the problem is essential. This may include adding supplements to their diet, treating them with medication, or changing the water parameters.

Emperor Angelfish: Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If your Emperor Angelfish are diagnosed with a disease, the best course of treatment will depend on the specific disease. However, several treatments and medications are commonly used for diseases in Emperor Angelfish.

Some of the most common treatments and medications include:

• Aquarium salt: Aquarium salt can be used to treat several different diseases. It can help to kill bacteria, parasites, and fungi and can also help to reduce inflammation.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medications that can be used to treat bacterial infections.
• Fungicides: Fungicides are medications that can be used to treat fungal infections.
• Parasiticides: Parasiticides are medications that can be used to treat parasitic infections.

If you decide to use medication to treat your Emperor Angelfish, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully. Medications can be harmful to fish if not used correctly and can also cause resistance problems. It is always best to consult a qualified fish veterinarian before using any medication.

Emperor Angelfish: Tank Mates

Emperor Angelfish should only be kept with other aggressive fish. They will not get along with peaceful fish like bettas or goldfish.

You can keep a bonded pair of them, but the tank must have a minimum of 125 gallons and plenty of places to hide. Males and females will get along well, but when breeding, the male will become very aggressive toward the female.

If you are keeping your Emperor Angelfish in a community tank, choosing tank mates that are the same size or more significant than the angels is essential. Smaller fish may be eaten or bullied by the angels.

Some good tank mates for them include:

• Other cichlids: Cichlids are one of the best types of fish to keep with Emperor Angelfish. They are aggressive and will not hesitate to fight with the angels.
• Large tetras: Large tetras are another excellent choice for tank mates. They are big enough not to be bullied by the angels but small enough not to compete for food.
• Pufferfish: Pufferfish are a good choice for tank mates because they are very aggressive and will not hesitate to fight with the angels.
• Other large fish: Other large fish can also be good tank mates for Emperor Angelfish. Just be sure to choose fish that are the same size or more significant than the angels.

Emperor Angelfish: Fish To Avoid

Some fish should not be kept with Emperor Angelfish because they may get bullied or eaten.

These fish include:

• Small tetras: Small tetras will be bullied by the angels and may not survive.
• Guppies: Guppies are small and will be eaten by the angels.
• Mollies: Mollies are also small and will be eaten by angels.
• Platies: Platies are small and will be eaten by angels.
• Siamese fighting fish: Siamese fighting fish are aggressive and will not get along with the angels.

Advantages Of Having Emperor Angelfish In Your Tank

• The first advantage of having Emperor Angelfish in your tank is that they are lovely fish. They have a striking color pattern and will surely add beauty to your aquarium.
• Second, Emperor Angelfish are very active and playful fish. They will constantly be swimming around the tank and will never get bored.
• They are very aggressive fish and will not hesitate to chase away intruders. This makes them ideal for a community tank.
• They are very durable fish and can withstand a variety of water conditions.
• Last, they are relatively easy to care for and do not require much maintenance.

Disadvantages Of Having Emperor Angelfish In Your Tank

The main disadvantage of having Emperor Angelfish in your tank is that they can be aggressive fish. They will not get along with other peaceful fish, such as bettas or goldfish. You can keep a bonded pair of them, but the tank must have a minimum of 125 gallons and plenty of places to hide.

Conclusion

Both freshwater and marine angelfish have been kept in aquariums for centuries. The popularity of angelfish aquarium pets has increased in recent years due to the available wide varieties.

Now that you’ve read the guide, you should understand what these fish require and how to care for them. If you add an Emperor Angelfish to your tank, provide plenty of places for them to hide and ensure the other fish in your tank are compatible.

These fish are a joy to live with and, with a bit of understanding and care, will bring you many years of enjoyment.