French Angelfish

Photo: LASZLO ILYES · CC BY

Striking black-and-yellow French angelfish are among the most conspicuous residents of the chapeirão gardens, often seen in mated pairs that defend long-term territories on the reef. Juveniles act as cleaner fish, setting up stations where larger fish queue to have parasites removed — a behavior rarely documented in adult individuals. Their presence in high numbers is a reliable indicator of reef health and low fishing pressure.