French angelfish

Photo: LASZLO ILYES · CC BY

French angelfish are permanent residents of Caribbean reef structures, typically seen in bonded pairs that defend feeding territories against other angelfish. They scrape sponges, tunicates, and algae from the reef surface with specialised comb-like teeth. Their striking juvenile coloration — black with bright yellow vertical bars — fades to the iridescent black-and-gold adult pattern over 18 to 24 months. Pairs often mate for life and cooperate in territorial defense, making them a useful indicator of reef stability.