Pomacanthus imperator
28cm
1-100m
30 sites
The Emperor Angelfish is instantly recognizable. Look for its vibrant colouration: a base of electric blue overlaid with striking horizontal yellow stripes. Juveniles have a completely different, almost unrecognisable, appearance, featuring concentric white and blue lines on a dark background. Adults have a dark mask across their eyes. They have a laterally compressed body shape typical of angelfish and can grow up to 40cm in length, though 28cm is more common.
Pomacanthidae
Prepare to be mesmerized! The Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) is a true showstopper of the reef, a kaleidoscope of colour that every diver and snorkeller hopes to encounter. Imagine gliding along a vibrant coral garden and suddenly spotting a flash of electric blue, yellow, and black – that's the Emperor Angelfish. These beauties are most often spotted in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Indian Ocean, South Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef and even as far as Japan and Korea. Keep an eye out in reef-associated habitats, anywhere from shallow depths to around 100m! While their conservation status is currently unevaluated (NE), their stunning appearance earns them a solid 4/5 diver appeal score, making them a must-see for any underwater explorer.
