Queen Angelfish

The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is a semi-aggressive species that is considered reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking electric-blue body, vibrant yellow highlights, graceful trailing fins, and distinctive “crown” marking on its forehead.

Males typically display more intense coloration and slightly larger body size, while females and juveniles often have less vivid markings, with juveniles showing vertical blue-and-yellow bars before transitioning into adult patterns. They reach about 15–18 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 180–220 gallons to thrive.

Provide ample live rock for grazing and hiding, open swimming space, and a stable sandbed environment, along with secure lids since they can be jumpers. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) to ensure long-term health.

Their diet should consist of a varied mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, marine algae, high-quality angelfish pellets, sponge-based foods, and copepods to support their natural grazing behavior. With proper care, this regal species makes a stunning centerpiece addition to any large saltwater aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.