Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)

Masked Angelfish                Species of Angelfish were initially classified as part of the Chaetodontidae family. One reason for this was the morphological similarities of a compressed body and a small mouth. There are 8 species known in Hawaiian waters, 5 species from the genus Centropyge. One type of Angelfish, G. personatus, has been identified using only six specimens. Sex reversal is known to some species and in those where the females outnumber the males, the population is thought to be grouped in female harems. Some species of Angelfish feed primarily on zooplankton while others feed on sponges.

Flame Angelfish

Hawaiian Marine Fauna

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