Like angels

Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) are to be found on shallow reef in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific (mostly western) oceans. The pomacanthidae family consists of 7 genera and around 86 species. They should not be confused with freshwater angelfish. With their vibrant colours and deep, laterally compressed bodies, marine angelfishes are some of the more conspicuous residents of the reef.

Many of the angelfish have streamer-like extensions on the dorsal fins. The fish have small mouths, relatively large pectoral fins and rounded to lunate tail fins. The largest species, the gray angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) may reach a length of 60 cm the smaller species do not exceed 15 cm. A length of 20 to 30 cm is average. The larger species are also quite bold and seemingly fearless and they are known to approach divers. Most marine angelfishes restrict themselves to the shallows of the reef, seldom venturing deeper than 50 m.