Emperor angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Valid name.
- English
- Emperor angelfish
- Scientific
- Pomacanthus imperator
- Dhivehi
- ރަސް ކޮކާމަސްRas kokaamas
- Group
- Reef fish
- Maximum size
- About 40 cm
- Depth and habitat
- Coral-rich lagoons and outer reefs, about 1 to 100 m
- IUCN status
- LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2009
Description
Adults are striking: diagonal yellow and blue stripes along the body, a dark blue-black mask over the eye and a yellow tail. Juveniles are dark blue with concentric white rings and were once thought to be a separate species. It feeds mainly on sponges and other encrusting invertebrates. Adults are territorial and can make an audible knocking sound when disturbed.
In the Maldives
Widespread on Maldivian reefs; adults are usually seen near caves and overhangs. A popular subject for divers and snorkellers.
Sources
- fishbase.se /summary/Pomacanthus-imperator.html
- fao.org /4/AD471E/AD471E00.htm
- dv.wikipedia.org /wiki/ރަސް_ކޮކާމަސް
- commons.wikimedia.org /wiki/File:Emperor_Angelfish,_Western_form_-_Pomacanthus_imperator_1.j
Dhivehi name source: M.R.S. (1997) Fishes of the Maldives, Marine Research Section, Malé (FAO/BOBP MAG/21); Thaana from Dhivehi Wikipedia (fish articles derived from the MRS 1997 Dhivehi edition). The name means 'king angelfish'.