ILuvMyGoldBarb
06-07-2009, 08:13 PM
This is the genus of giants, it is also a genus of great confusion. There are 61 fish that have at one time or another been listed under the Holacanthus genus, however, there are only 8 species that are valid members. All 8 members of this genus are tank busters for sure, requiring tanks that range from 125 gallons all the way to 300+ gallons. No member of this genus is considered to be even remotely reef safe as all will nip at sessile invertebrates of all kinds. Even small polyp stony corals are at risk of being severely nipped. These fish are definitely suited for the fish only with live rock system, and should almost always be the last fish added to any system. Holacanthus fish are generally quite bellicose with almost anything you add. The Holacanthus fish are also some of the most adaptable angels to captivity with one major exception.
The crowning jewel of the the Holacanthus genus is the Queen Angelfish - H. ciliaris. Not only is this fish the crowning jewel of the Holacanthus genus, it is also one of the most highly prized Pomacanthids and is also one of the most treasured fish in the marine hobby. At just under 18 inches (45 cm) in length, this beauty is also on of the largest angels available to the hobbyist. The coloration of H. ciliaris makes it highly prized among hobbyists; few fish in the ocean can match the sensational beauty of this fish. Sadly, few hobbyists are able to provide the appropriate tank to support these giants. Proper housing of H. ciliaris requires a tank of 300 gallons or more with plenty of live rock and lots of dart holes. These fish will thrive in captivity, making the switch from a sponge diet to a captive diet consisting of a good mix of vegetable and meaty fare. A high quality frozen mix that includes sponge is a good idea to offer these fish to help them to adapt to captivity.
The exception to the adaptability of the Holacanthus genus is H. tricolor – The Rock Beauty. These fish are highly sought after by hobbyists however they adapt very poorly to captivity and in almost all cases, starve to death. They are sponge eaters and do not adapt to the captive dietary mix of carnivorous and herbivorous offerings. On a very rare occasion, a specimen will adapt well to captive fare and will thrive in a home aquarium. Unfortunately, it is that slim chance of getting that one specimen that entices many hobbyists to try this fish and sadly, most of them stave. Not only is this a fish for beginners to avoid, it is one that should be avoided by all but the most experienced and expert of hobbyists.
Members of the Holacanthus genus:
Holacanthus africanus – Guinean Angelfish
Holacanthus bermudensis – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris – Queen Angelfish
Holacanthus clarionensis – Clarion Angelfish
Holacanthus isabelita – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus limbaughi – Clipperton Angelfish
Holacanthus passer – King Angelfish
Holacanthus tricolor – Rock Beauty Angelfish
The crowning jewel of the the Holacanthus genus is the Queen Angelfish - H. ciliaris. Not only is this fish the crowning jewel of the Holacanthus genus, it is also one of the most highly prized Pomacanthids and is also one of the most treasured fish in the marine hobby. At just under 18 inches (45 cm) in length, this beauty is also on of the largest angels available to the hobbyist. The coloration of H. ciliaris makes it highly prized among hobbyists; few fish in the ocean can match the sensational beauty of this fish. Sadly, few hobbyists are able to provide the appropriate tank to support these giants. Proper housing of H. ciliaris requires a tank of 300 gallons or more with plenty of live rock and lots of dart holes. These fish will thrive in captivity, making the switch from a sponge diet to a captive diet consisting of a good mix of vegetable and meaty fare. A high quality frozen mix that includes sponge is a good idea to offer these fish to help them to adapt to captivity.
The exception to the adaptability of the Holacanthus genus is H. tricolor – The Rock Beauty. These fish are highly sought after by hobbyists however they adapt very poorly to captivity and in almost all cases, starve to death. They are sponge eaters and do not adapt to the captive dietary mix of carnivorous and herbivorous offerings. On a very rare occasion, a specimen will adapt well to captive fare and will thrive in a home aquarium. Unfortunately, it is that slim chance of getting that one specimen that entices many hobbyists to try this fish and sadly, most of them stave. Not only is this a fish for beginners to avoid, it is one that should be avoided by all but the most experienced and expert of hobbyists.
Members of the Holacanthus genus:
Holacanthus africanus – Guinean Angelfish
Holacanthus bermudensis – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris – Queen Angelfish
Holacanthus clarionensis – Clarion Angelfish
Holacanthus isabelita – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus limbaughi – Clipperton Angelfish
Holacanthus passer – King Angelfish
Holacanthus tricolor – Rock Beauty Angelfish