Emperor Angelfish Care Guide – Saltwater Aquarium Setup and Tank Mates

If you have ever been to a saltwater aquarium or fish store, you have certainly seen Emperor Angelfish. As one of the most popular saltwater fish in the world, these colorful beauties can be a fun and exciting addition to your saltwater aquarium.

It is important that you understand how to take care of these stellar saltwater fish before adding some to your tank. Learn about their behaviors, mating habits, dietary needs, tank setup and water conditions, and more in this guide below.

This Emperor Angelfish care guide will help you make an informed decision about the best ways to care for this fish species.

Species Overview

Colorful and playful, Emperor Angelfish is one of the most recognizable fish in the entire world. From aquariums to fancy restaurants to dental offices, these fish grace tanks everywhere. Some parts of the world also call them Imperator or Imperial Angelfish, but they are all the same species.

They can sometimes be a little bit tricky to take care of, which is why it requires someone with good knowledge of these fish to tend to them. Make sure you fully understand what Emperor Angelfish need before you decide.

Emperor Angelfish Behavior & Temperament

Your Emperor Angelfish may be shy when they are first introduced to the tank, but don’t let this bashful behavior fool you. They can become quite aggressive, both with each other and with other species in the tank.

They are known to bully fish that are smaller than them, and the males will fight over territory and food. Emperor Angelfish use rocks and plants to hide out until they become more comfortable with their environment.

Then, they will start to become more active as they consistently scavenge around the tank for food. They will get so comfortable that they will start to stand their ground against others in the tank and even attack those who come close.

You might even hear the Emperor Angelfish make a sound – this grunt means it feels threatened and is ready to attack!

Origin and Distribution

Emperor Angelfish originate from the reefed parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They naturally distribute very quickly and across a wide range of environments across the sea.

These saltwater fish species are unique in that juveniles will live in rocks and reefs while adults will hang out near reef surges.

You can find the Emperor Angelfish for sale around the world in common saltwater fish stores and farms. You can purchase a few at a time, but again, it is integral that you have a deeper understanding of Emperor Angelfish care needs first.

Emperor Angelfish Price

Since they are so popular, Emperor Angelfish are on the more expensive side of the saltwater fish price range. You can find juvenile Emperor Angelfish price at $100, with larger ones priced up to $200.

Depending on what you are looking for, you should expect to spend several hundred dollars on your purchase of these colorful saltwater fish.

Emperor Angelfish Size

There can sometimes be a difference between the size of Emperor Angelfish found in the wild and those bred in captivity. Those swimming in the open ocean have been recorded growing to a length of 15 inches.

The ones that you are likely to have in your tank, however, will reach about 12 inches when fully grown. This is still a lot larger than most people expect; size and growth rate are important things to take into consideration when choosing the right tank size for this fish.

How Long Do Emperor Angelfish Take to Grow?

Emperor Angelfish go through a very unique transformation while growing. In fact, they look like a completely different species while they are young, and come into their famous stripes when they are adults.

It takes up to 30 months for juvenile Emperor Angelfish to become fully grown and get their adult color patterns. You should give them plenty of room as they grow.

You may need to increase your tank size a few times to accommodate their increasing needs.

Emperor Angelfish Life Span

Emperor Angelfish are pretty substantial and can generally be kept in pretty good health. Those that have been bred in captivity and raised in your tank can be expected to live for two (2) decades. Some Emperor Angelfish in the wild have been seen living for a lot longer.

You can contribute to their long and healthy lives by feeding them a diverse diet rich in protein and other nutrients, and supplementing their environment with many danger-free spaces.

Appearance, Colors, and Special Markings

What is not to love about the breathtaking display of stripes and colors that you’ll find on Emperor Angelfish?

Not only do these saltwater beauties already stand out for the way they look, but they are also notable because of the dramatic appearance transformation they go through as they grow up. It is important to describe their appearances separately for this reason.

Juvenile Emperor Angelfish Appearance

The young Angelfish have a base color of black with white C-shaped bands around their bodies. Smaller bands of dark blue are in between each of the white bands.

Juveniles have blue scaling around their faces and fins, edged with white. The sub-adult stage begins as they start to transform into a full adult.

Adult Emperor Angelfish Appearance

Adult Emperor Angelfish will start to lose their previous colors over a two-year period. As they become full adults, they will gain the color patterns that they are famous for a base color of yellow, darkening in a gradient to orange at the end of the tail.

Horizontal blue and yellow stripes across their bodies, starting at the gills and ending before the tail. A black band goes across their eyes, edged with that same dark sapphire blue color. The nose and mouth area of the fish is white.

Emperor Angelfish are some of the most unique and vibrantly colored fish in the sea, and they are a prized possession in the tanks of many passionate Aquarius.

Aquarium Care

A fish that grows as large as Emperor Angelfish needs to be taken care of consistently. It is not easy to find the right tank size or to keep increasing the tank size as your fish grow.

Keep reading to learn more about the specifications and conditions you’ll have to meet in order to properly care for this saltwater fish species.

– Emperor Angelfish Tank Size

As incredibly territorial fish, Emperor Angelfish need a lot of space to call their own. In the wild, they can take up thousands of square feet to themselves. You should be able to have a tank large enough to support your Angelfish being able to claim out a stake in the aquarium all to itself.

Because of this, you need the following tank sizes for your Emperor Angelfish:

• 125 gallons for a juvenile individual.
• 180 gallons for a pair of juvenile Emperor Angelfish.
• 220 gallons for fully-grown Emperor Angelfish.

If you can go even larger, then that’s even better! Your fish will love all the extra space as it gives them an opportunity to grow their territories. This can also help them be less aggressive towards other species you might want to keep in the tank.

– Water Parameters

The water conditions of your aquarium are vital as you need to match ocean environments as accurately as you can. Any differences or sudden changes in the water could cause your Emperor Angelfish to be sensitive or react negatively, making them sick.

As with any saltwater fish species, you need to wait to set up your tank several months in advance of buying the fish. This helps encourage natural biological growth while keeping the ideal conditions consistent within the environment.

During the preparation phase, make sure you try to reach the following specifications.

• Water Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Emperor Angelfish is between 72°F – 82°F. As they are used to tropical conditions, warmer waters are perfect for maintaining the right natural environment.
• Water Hardness: Water hardness should always measure between 8 and 12 dKH. You can purchase a saltwater testing kit and test your water about once a week to ensure you are keeping these measurements stable.
• Water Acidity: Water acidity levels can be life or death for your fish. The pH levels should always remain between 8 and 8.5. This is not a wide range to work with, so you will want to test these waters consistently.

– Water Gravity

Gravity has a huge impact on the ocean, especially as it goes deeper. Water gravity levels can be measured and maintained in large aquariums at home. Make sure the specific gravity is between 1.020 – 1.025.

– Emperor Angelfish Tank Setup

Just as their colors change as they age, these saltwater fish have different environments as they age as well. That can make it a little difficult to find the right way to set up their tank.

However, there are some consistent parts of their environments that you can easily replicate in your tank. Start with these essentials:

• Live Rock: This is not only a great place for new and young Angelfish to hide, but it is a constant source of food for them to nibble on.
• Emperor Angelfish always live near different parts of reefs, no matter what age they are. They need a lot of coral to feel at home. But don’t over-stuff the tank with coral or else they won’t have enough room to swim around. You should also be mindful of the types of coral you introduce; bubble corals and star polyps are good options for this species.
• Water Filtration System: You need a very strong filter that can keep up with the needs of a saltwater fish. Emperor Angelfish eat a lot, and therefore they produce a lot of waste. Filters should be able to cycle out waste while keeping the water clean and consistent.

Keep a low flow of water. Your Angelfish don’t mind a little bit of movement, but they are not used to anything fast. Keep strong lighting set up in our tank, as it can help your saltwater fish stay in good health. Plants, sand, and corals all make for good substrate options.

Suitable Plants

Your Emperor Angelfish may want to nibble on some plants, but mostly they will use them for shelter. Popular saltwater aquarium plant options may include:

• Turtle Grass Shoots
• Green Finger Plant
• Dragon’s Tongue Algae
• Mermaid’s Fan
• Halimeda

Some of these plants and algae can help keep the surfaces of the tank clean, which also contributes to the health of the fish. By maintaining these suitable conditions on a consistent basis, you can prevent disease and illness in your Emperor Angelfish.

Common Possible Diseases

While Emperor Angelfish are hardy and durable, they can still be susceptible to certain illnesses just like any other fish. There are a few common diseases that you should be aware of so you can learn how to prevent or treat them as quickly as possible.

– ICH

Ich is a common disease that affects the skin and scales. It creates white spots and blotches, causing the fish to feel very itchy.

You may find your fish trying to scratch these itches among rocks or logs in the tank. This is caused by a parasite and you can add an antibiotic medicine to the water to treat this illness.

– Head and Lateral Line Erosion Disease

Also called HLLE, this is a serious disease that can cause erosion in your fish’s head. Eventually, they will have a hole in their head that will kill them.

While the exact cause of this disease isn’t known, the best way to avoid it is to make sure there is a lot of brightness and lights in the tank to keep your fish healthy.

Marine Velvet

Another skin infectious disease, Marine Velvet causes your fish to get covered in gold spots, which can be very itchy. Their skin may resemble velvet, which is what gives the disease its name. There is medicine to reverse the symptoms of this disease.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Emperor Angelfish will eat just about anything. From plants to other fish, they are some of the ocean’s most efficient “cleaners”. They are known for eating just about anything they can fit their mouth on in their environment.

Do not be alarmed if your Angelfish does not feel like eating when first introduced to your tank. These saltwater fish can be quite shy, so make sure that you monitor their behavior as they become more acclimated to the tank.

You can start to give them foods such as algae, spirulina, and premade fish food. As they get more comfortable, you can curate frozen or live dinners for them as well.

Major protein options for your Angelfish include:

• Spirulina
• Spinach
• Shrimp
• Squid
• Scallop
• Marine algae

Remember that they also have live rock and coral to graze on. Their feeding sessions should not last any longer than five minutes. You can start with five small meals per day, then change to three larger meals per day.

Emperor Angelfish Tank Mates

It can be difficult to find decent tank mates for Emperor Angelfish. This is because this species of fish is fairly aggressive and very territorial.

Although it can be hard to find good neighbors for this fish, it is also encouraged that you introduce your Angelfish to a community tank to reduce their initial tendencies towards aggression.

For the most part, it is a good idea to stick with saltwater fish species that are around the same size as Emperor Angelfish. You can keep a bonded pair of Angelfish together but never have two males together in the same tank at once.

Some decent tank mates may include:

• Lionfish
• Groupers
• Tangs
• Damsels
• Butterfly Fish
• Clownfish

It is also okay to keep just one Emperor Angelfish on its own in your tank. A mated pair or two females and one male should be more than enough for your aquarium.

Gender Differences

There are only subtle differences between male and female Emperor Angelfish. For the most part, you won’t be able to tell. Male Emperor Angelfish have darker colors behind their eyes, and the female coloring overall is a lot less vibrant.

Average males can be larger than average females as well.

Emperor Angelfish Breeding

It is incredibly difficult to breed Emperor Angelfish in your aquarium. They require very specific and strict conditions in order to successfully spawn, and you need to have plenty of tank space to accommodate for it.

Males and females who are ready to mate will be found hanging out near the surface of the water. After the mating process, the female will release her eggs in a current that will let them drift away safely.

Since this is not a possible thing to replicate in captivity, most mated pairs will never try to spawn.

Are Emperor Angelfish Aggressive?

Emperor Angelfish are moderately aggressive, meaning that they will attack any other fish who is encroaching on its territory. They care a lot about their territory, establishing several feet of space within your tank to call its own.

Any fish that makes your Angelfish feel threatened will likely be attacked at some point.

Since they are omnivores, Emperor Angelfish will also try to eat fish that are significantly smaller than them. Make sure to keep this in mind when deciding on other tank mates to add to your aquarium community.

Are Emperor Angelfish Hardy?

This colorful and tropical marine fish is a very hardy species of Angelfish. Growing up to a foot in length, Emperor Angelfish eats a wide diet filled with proteins and other nutrients to keep them strong. They can remain healthy in captivity as long as you create stable and consistent tank conditions that they can thrive in.

Are Emperor Angelfish Reef Safe?

Emperor Angelfish are not reef-safe fish to put in your aquarium. If you want to replicate a coral reef inside your home, keep these curious eaters away! Emperor Angelfish love to eat softer corals like Symphyllia and Trachyphyllia.

If you don’t mind your coral getting eaten up, then add it in as a tasty treat. Otherwise, this saltwater fish is not a smart introduction to your coral community.

Can We Keep Juvenile Emperor Angelfish Together?

You can keep a few juvenile Emperor Angelfish together, but it is important that you remember their tendencies towards aggression. Even when young, male Angelfish can attack and fight each other.

Try to stick to keeping just one or two Emperor Angelfish together at any given time. As the juveniles grow, they will require more and more tank space, which can make it difficult to keep multiple fish in the same place at once.

Can Saltwater Angelfish Be Kept Together?

All saltwater Angelfish are territorial and somewhat aggressive, so it can be hard to keep many of them together. You should stick to one type of Angelfish per aquarium unless your tank is extremely large. Before you invest in a saltwater Angelfish on your own, figure out whether or not this particular species of Angelfish will work well with your aquarium at home.

Are Emperor Angelfish for Sale?

You can find an adult or juvenile Emperor Angelfish for sale at any major saltwater fish supply store. You can find fish farms that sell Angelfish and other similar species that have been bred and raised in captivity.

These fish might be easier to acclimate to your own home aquarium, making them the perfect fish for you to take care of.

Final Thoughts

The vivid color scheme and unique behavior of Emperor Angelfish is not something that you can easily forget. If you are looking to invest in a large saltwater tank and you are looking for a vibrant addition to your marine community.

Make sure you are knowledgeable about the species you want. Emperor Angelfish can be difficult to take care of when you don’t understand their needs.

Be sure to follow the tank parameters and specifications to keep their environment as comfortable for them as possible. A strong filtration system and plenty of lighting can keep your fish healthy for years to come.

If you are like most successful saltwater Aquarius, you can enjoy your Emperor Angelfish for decades!