Queen Angelfish – Holacanthus ciliaris
The Queen angelfish inhabits coral reefs in tropical western Atlantic waters from Bermuda to Brazil, Central America, and in the Caribbean. They are commonly found in pairs. They will grow to become a large addition to an aquarium at over 18 inches. 
Maximum Size: The maximum length is 18.0 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 135 gallons or larger tank is appropriate with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing.
Care Level: The queen angelfish is a medium level fish to maintain. On a scale of 1 –10, (10 being easy) it would rate a “6”.
Tank Conditions: Temperature 75 - 79°F; Specific gravity: 1.021 – 1.024; pH: 8.1 – 8.3; nitrate should be no more than 20 ppm.
Color: The queen angelfish is a rather beautiful fish. The Queen Angelfish is one of the most striking of all angelfish. Vibrant yellow and electric sapphire-blue highlights give the Queen Angelfish an almost iridescent appearance. It has a dark spot on the forehead surrounded by bright blue. The dorsal and pelvic fins are elongated. Be forewarned that like other large angelfish, adult fish may not reach the full color potential. A quality food supply with vitamin supplements and high water quality are necessary for the fish to reach the color as seen in these pictures. The juvenile is quite spectacular.
Temperament: The queen angel is aggressive as a juvenile and as an adult. These fish should be housed with fish that can fend for themselves.
 Reef Compatible: No – the queen angelfish will bite at or eat corals and clams and sponges. This is one fish that is best in a fish only tank.
Diet: Omnivore – In the wild is a sponge feeder. The diet should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysid or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. The Queen Angelfish should be fed at least three times daily.
Habitat: Provide with plenty of hiding places and live rock growth for grazing on and to use for shelter. Good water quality is important. Angelfish need good water quality for health and color retention.
Compatibility: Queen angelfish in general can be kept with boxfish and moray eels and they should not be housed with sharks, rays and small non-aggressive fish such as firefish and cardinalfish and can be a problem if housed with many others – check with your aquarium shop if you plan on buying one of these fish.
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