Bandit Angelfish

Description

Bandit Angelfish, Apolemichthys arcuatus, also go by the name Banded Angelfish or Hawaiian Pearly Scale Angelfish. Like many members of this genus, adults and juveniles look like one another.

Bandit Angels are incredible fish. The have a thick, black horizontal band, running from their eye to the end of their dorsal fin. This band is beautifully offset by a pure white outline. Fluorescent white pearls adorn the Angels’ body. Above the stripe, the pearls are on a greyish background and below the stripe they are against white.

Large Angels are from the Pomacanthidae family. A group famous for their vivid colours. The name is Greek for, “cover” (poma) and “thorn” (akantha), which refers to the pair of strong spines on the gill cover.

Bandit Angelfish, Apolemichthys arcuatus, Ecology:

Bandit Angels occur in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean. They are endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago and the Johnston island hotspot.

These fish live on: rocky ledges, in caves or on reef slopes and faces. In nature, Bandit Angels graze on algae and sessile invertebrates, such as sponges and tunicates. They will also predate on crustaceans. Their eating habits make them unsuitable for marine aquariums with coral, as they can nip. However, it may be possible to keep some carefully selected coral species in the same tank as the Bandit Angelfish. We strongly recommend asking a member of staff on the issue.

Banded Angelfish or Hawaiian Pearly Scale Angelfish In the Aquarium:

It is important to have plenty of nooks or crannies where your Bandit Angelfish can explore and feel at home. Keepers may also want to get a jump guard to stop any accidents.

Bandit Angelfish are omnivores and do best when fed a varied diet. They will accept frozen Mysis shrimp and enriched frozen brine shrimp. We enrich all our frozen food with seachem garlic guard and Atvitol vitamins. These are great for keeping fish healthy by providing them with the nutrition otherwise lost in frozen food. In doing so, these additives support their immune system and increase longevity.

Bandit Angelfish will graze on marine algae that can be secured to the side of the tank with clips. Over time they will accept high-quality pellet or flake. We adapt all our Angel Fish to aquarium life before they leave us. We focus on their health, and most are eating a good quality flake food and/or pellet before being offered for sale.

Angelfish can live in a mixed group or alone. Feel free to give us a call with any questions.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.