French Angel - Juvenille (Atlantic)
The French angel is an iconic beauty from the Caribbean. As a juvenile it is stark black with bright yellow stripes running from top to bottom. As an adult, many of its scales become edged in yellow giving it a shimmering appearance. The stripes it had as a juvenile fade away, leaving only its eyes ringed with yellow. The tip of the dorsal and anal fins extend into long trailing points. It is similar in appearance to the Grey angelfish, however there are some differences. As a juvenile the very end of the French angel's tail fin is edged in yellow, whereas on the Grey angel it is clear. As an adult, the Grey angel's scales are dotted with black and lack the yellow highlights. Not all fish transition when at the same size, but it usually begins when they are approximately 3-4 inches. Males and females are visually identical.
The French angel can grow to be approximately 15 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 220 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other large angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish.
Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother SPS corals or other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day.