scubaseason

Rock beauty angelfish

Holacanthus tricolor

Sighting evidence at Le Cap, Martinique

Rock beauty angelfish are territorial residents of Caribbean reef rubble zones and rock habitats, and Le Cap's volcanic ridge structure with its mix of hard substrate and encrusting growth is ideal rock beauty habitat. Adults are unmistakable — vivid yellow head and tail flanking a jet-black body — and maintain feeding territories centered on specific coral heads or sponge clusters they defend year-round. They feed on tunicates, zoantharians, and algae, and adults are typically seen in pairs. Their preference for rocky over sandy substrate makes them a diagnostic species for volcanic reef environments.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Rock beauty angelfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.