Queen angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris
Sighting evidence at Prickly Pear Reef, Anguilla
Photo: Phil Garner · © all rights reserved
One of the Caribbean's most visually striking reef residents, queen angelfish display brilliant electric blue and yellow colouration with a distinctive dark spot — the queen's crown — ringed in electric blue on the forehead. They feed on sponges, which make up the vast majority of their diet, playing an important role in controlling sponge growth on the reef. Adults are generally seen in pairs, patrolling established territories along reef slopes. Their bold colouration makes them easy to spot and a favourite of underwater photographers.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Queen angelfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.