By AFT Editorial • Last Update: October 3, 2025
The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is a large, brightly colored saltwater angelfish from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, best suited for advanced marine aquarists and should only be kept in a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) aquarium.
This guide explains how to care for the Queen Angelfish, covering its appearance, behavior, tank setup, water needs, diet, compatibility, and reef safety. Beginners will also find a checklist and common mistakes to avoid for keeping this colorful marine angelfish healthy.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Holacanthus ciliaris |
| Family | Pomacanthidae (Marine Angelfish) |
| Origin | Tropical Western Atlantic & Caribbean |
| Adult Size | Up to 18 in (45 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 180 gallons (681 liters) |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years in captivity |
| Diet | Omnivore – sponges, algae, tunicates, and marine-based prepared foods |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial |
| Water Parameters | Temp: 72–82°F (22–28°C); pH: 8.1–8.4; Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG |
The Queen Angelfish is among the most striking marine angelfish. Adults feature an electric blue body with bright yellow scales and fins. A characteristic blue “crown” outlined in black above the head gives the species its royal name. Juveniles look different, displaying dark blue bodies with vertical yellow stripes before transitioning into the vivid adult coloration.
Adult Queen Angelfish typically reach lengths of 30 cm (12 inches), but can grow up to 45 cm (18 inches) and weigh up to 1.6 kg (3.5 lb). Their bodies are laterally compressed—thin from side to side—which allows them to maneuver through intricate coral structures.
The adult’s body is a canvas of iridescent blue and green, often with a yellow-orange wash. The most prominent features are the brilliant yellow pectoral fins and a completely solid, vibrant yellow tail. The edges of the dorsal and anal fins are also trimmed in this striking yellow.
The distinct “crown” on the forehead is a circular spot (ocellus), dark blue to black and ringed by a brilliant electric-blue halo—the single most reliable feature for identifying an adult Queen.
Juveniles are dark blue with several (usually 3–5) glowing light-blue vertical bars. As they mature, the bars fade, the adult coloration emerges, and the crown develops.
The most common confusion is with the closely related Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis):
These two species can hybridize, producing the Townsend Angelfish, which may show a partial crown or a tail that isn’t fully yellow.
The Queen Angelfish ranges from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico south through the Caribbean Sea and along the coast of South America to Brazil.
This species is tightly linked to healthy coral reefs for both food and shelter. Adults frequent outer reef edges with moderate–strong currents at depths of 1–70 m (3–230 ft), retreating to caves and crevices at night. Juveniles prefer shallower protected areas such as seagrass beds and secluded coral heads where they often establish cleaning stations.
To see the species in its natural habitat, watch the short video below:
Queen Angelfish exhibit complex social behavior. They may be solitary, but are most often seen in bonded pairs defending territories that can span several thousand square meters. Occasionally, small harems form with one male and several females.
Pairs are highly territorial and will chase away other angelfish and competitors to secure access to sponges within their domain.
Juveniles establish “cleaning stations,” removing parasites and dead tissue from visiting fishes such as jacks, snappers, and groupers—a mutualistic service that also feeds the juveniles.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Queen Angelfish is Least Concern, thanks to its wide distribution and presence in protected areas. Long-term pressures remain:
The Queen Angelfish is a specialist feeder.
They are primarily spongivores—often >90% of the diet—using brush-like teeth to nip encrusting sponges. This grazing helps prevent sponges from smothering slow-growing corals.
Diurnal grazers within a home territory; they also take tunicates, jellyfish/comb jellies, soft corals/anemones, and marine algae.
In captivity, feed varied sponge-containing frozen diets, spirulina-based foods, chopped seafood, and high-quality pellets. Offer small portions 2–3× daily and include vitamin-enriched items to support health and coloration.
Pairs are often long-term and monogamous, with graceful courtship displays.
At dusk, pairs ascend and release eggs and sperm simultaneously (broadcast spawning). A single female can release tens of thousands of eggs in an evening.
Under ideal conditions, Queen Angelfish can live 15–20 years.
Warning: This species is recommended only for advanced aquarists due to size, diet, and temperament.
A minimum of 180 gallons (681 liters) is required for a single adult; 250+ gallons (950+ liters) is strongly recommended for ample swimming room.
Stability is key: 72–82°F (22–28°C), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025. Ammonia and nitrite must be zero; nitrate < 20 ppm. Perform 15–20% water changes every two weeks. Quarantine new specimens. A powerful protein skimmer and disciplined maintenance are essential.
The Queen Angelfish is not reef-safe. It will graze on many corals (soft and stony), anemones, and clam mantles. Keep only in a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) aquarium.
For a full breakdown of the risks, see our complete guide to reef-safe angelfish.
This article is part of our larger guide to Angelfish. For more, please see our complete overview of Saltwater Angelfish.
Queen Angelfish can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, making them one of the larger marine angelfish species.
They primarily eat sponges and algae in the wild. In captivity, they need sponge-based foods, algae, and marine pellets or frozen diets.
No, they are not considered reef safe as they nip at corals, clams, and decorative sponges.
A minimum of 180 gallons is recommended, but larger tanks are better for their long-term health.
They are native to the tropical Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, Florida, and the Bahamas.
They can live up to 15 years in captivity with proper care and diet.
It is not recommended to keep them with other large angelfish due to territorial aggression.
Yes, juveniles are dark blue with yellow bars and gradually develop the adult’s bright blue and yellow coloration with the crown spot.
Keep the tank between 75–82°F (24–28°C) to match their natural reef environment.
They are not ideal for beginners due to their large size, special diet, and territorial behavior. They suit experienced marine aquarists.
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