Description

The Arabian Angelfish (Pomacanthus Asfur) is a fish well known for its use in saltwater aquariums, even though it tends to be a shyer specimen compared to the other sometimes aggressive Angelfish. It grows to a maximum length of 16 inches. The adult is generally dark greyish-black with a broad, crescent-shaped sash of yellow and a yellow tail. The dorsal fin has 12 spines and 19–20 soft rays and is elongated into filaments which trail behind the fish as it swims. The anal fin is also extended by filaments and has 3 spines and 18 to 20 soft rays. The pectoral fins have 17 to 18 rays.

The juveniles have an altogether different appearance. They have a base color of steely blue with a number of vertical, meandering stripes of white and pale blue.

The Arabian Angelfish is found along the eastern coasts of Africa. Its range extends from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to Zanzibar. It can also be found in the Persian Gulf. Its habitat includes sheltered coastal reefs with hard and soft corals, rocky reefs, crevices and the mouths of caves. It is timid which makes it difficult to observe. The Arabian Angelfish feeds predominately on tunicates and sponges.