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French angelfish

Pomacanthus paru

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

French angelfish

Size:

French angelfish have been recorded as being up to 24 inches (61 centimeters) long, but are typically around 16 inches (40 centimeters) long.

Diet:

French angelfish are foragers and eat a vast selection of aquatic invertebrates and plants. This includes: algae, soft coral, tunicates, sponges and sometimes parasites.

Range & Habitat:

French angelfish live in shallow coral reef communities in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. They're typically found in water less that 15 feet in depth.

Details:

In a mutualistic relationship with coral reefs, French angelfish eat parasites and debris, while the reef provides shelter and protection from surrounding predators. This species is highly sociable and goes almost everywhere in pairs. Once they fight a mate, they will forage, defend their territory and breed together. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, the French angelfish are listed as Least Concern.