What Is a Koran Angelfish?

The Koran angelfish is a tropical saltwater angelfish that gets its name from a pattern on its tail that resembles Arabic script. It gets its scientific name, Pomacanthus semicircultus, from the pattern of semicircles on the body of the fish as well as from the presence of a spine on its gill cover; Pomacanthus is Latin for thorny cover. The natural habitat of this angelfish is in the ocean around Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Maldives and the Caribbean.

The fish, when young, is blue and black in color with a white and light blue pattern of semicircles. Adults have yellowish-green heads, with bodies that are brown in the front and back and graduate to yellow-green in the mid-section. There are distinct spots on the sides, pale ones on a dark section and dark ones on a pale section. The dorsal and anal fins have bright yellow tips, and the gill margins and the rings around the eyes are a bright sapphire blue. In size, the fish can measure from one inch (2.54 cm) to eight inches (20.32 cm).

Its attractive appearance makes the Koran angelfish popular as a freshwater aquarium fish. It is quite a hardy creature in comparison with other angelfish varieties, but it is important to keep it in a spacious freshwater angelfish tank, one that is at least 100 gallons (378.54 liters), and to ensure that the water is kept clean and well-oxygenated. Lack of space can aggravate the aggressive tendencies of the fish, and lack of clean water can make it susceptible to disease and pests.

These angelfish are not suitable for a coral reef tank as they tend to eat coral. Aside from coral, they eat worms, shrimps, shellfish, squid, sponges and also vegetables. The Koran angelfish is a grazing fish, which means it will need to be fed several times throughout the day.

The Koran angelfish is rather aggressive and territorial, and it is usually advisable not to keep it with other angelfish varieties, or at least not angelfish of the same sizes. It seems to get along well with fish of other species though, provided, given its territorial nature, that it is introduced last into the tank. It is a good idea to float the angelfish in a transparent container into the tank and see how it reacts to the other fish before releasing it. Providing adequate hiding places and escape compartments for the other fish in the tank is also recommended; if the Koran angelfish seems too aggressive, it may be best to remove or isolate it. This type of fish is not easily bred in captivity, but, if it does, it scatters its eggs.

The Koran Angelfish, scientifically known as Pomacanthus semicirculatus, is a large marine angelfish species renowned for its striking coloration and patterns. Juveniles display a blue-black body with white and blue stripes, which gradually transform into a splotchy pattern of blue-green and yellow hues as they mature. This species is a popular choice among aquarists for its beauty and size.

Koran Angelfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit coral reefs and lagoon waters. They are commonly found at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters, often swimming alone or in pairs. Their distribution spans from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Koran Angelfish have a varied diet that includes sponges, tunicates, and algae. In the wild, they are known to graze on live rock and coral reefs to consume these food sources. In captivity, they may also accept a range of prepared foods, but it's essential to provide a diet rich in marine sponges to maintain their health.

As one of the larger angelfish species, Koran Angelfish can grow up to 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in length. Their size is a consideration for aquarists, as they require spacious aquariums to accommodate their growth and swimming needs. A tank of at least 100 gallons is recommended for a single adult Koran Angelfish.

Koran Angelfish are often considered semi-reef safe. While juveniles may coexist peacefully with a reef environment, adults can become more aggressive and may nip at or consume certain invertebrates and corals. Therefore, they are not the best choice for a reef tank with a wide variety of sensitive corals and invertebrates.

Caring for a Koran Angelfish requires a well-maintained aquarium with ample space, stable water conditions, and a varied diet. A tank of at least 100 gallons with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing is ideal. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are crucial to ensure the health of these sensitive fish. Compatibility with tank mates should be carefully considered to prevent aggression.