Arabian Angelfish: A Jewel of the Red Sea

The Arabian Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) is one of the most striking fish species you'll encounter in the Red Sea. With its vibrant colors and distinctive appearance, this fish captures the attention of snorkelers and divers alike.

Let's dive into what makes this species so special and where you can spot them during your Red Sea adventures.

Arabian Angelfish Physical Appearance

The Arabian Angelfish undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout its life cycle. Juveniles display a vibrant blue body adorned with pale-blue and white stripes. As they mature, they develop yellow markings on their dorsal and caudal fins.

Adult Arabian Angelfish are truly spectacular, featuring:

• Deep blue compressed body with a blackish face
• Bright yellow caudal (tail) fin
• A distinctive broad, crescent-shaped yellow band runs vertically across their flanks
• Maximum length of about 40-50 centimeters (16-20 inches)

This dramatic color change from juvenile to adult makes the Arabian Angelfish seem like two entirely different species at different life stages.

Habitat and Distribution

In the Red Sea, the Arabian Angelfish thrives in specific environments:

• Depths between 3-30 meters (approximately 10-98 feet)
• Semi-protected inshore reefs with rich soft and hard coral growth
• Areas with caves, holes, and crevices that provide shelter
• Reef slopes and sandy bottoms

Beyond the Red Sea, this species can also be found in the Gulf of Aden and along the eastern African coast as far south as Zanzibar.

Behavior and Diet

The Arabian Angelfish is known for its shy and solitary nature. Divers often find them difficult to approach, as they typically stay close to caves or crevices in the reef. These fish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning the larger fish in a pair will change sex to become male.

Their diet consists primarily of:

• Sponges and tunicates (sea squirts)
• Algae and seaweeds

Unlike some other angelfish species that can be quite aggressive, the Arabian Angelfish tends to be more timid and less confrontational with other fish.

Can Snorkelers Spot Arabian Angelfish?

While Arabian Angelfish typically inhabit depths between 3-30 meters, they can occasionally be spotted by snorkelers, especially in areas where the reef drops off quickly from the shoreline. Their preference for caves and crevices means you'll need to look carefully in reef structures rather than open water.

Their bright coloration, particularly the distinctive yellow band on adults, makes them easier to identify when spotted.

For the best chance of seeing these beautiful fish, consider joining a guided snorkeling tour in Hurghada where experienced guides know the best spots to find various Red Sea species.

The Arabian Angelfish is occasionally found in the aquarium trade but has been successfully bred in captivity. Captive-bred specimens are sometimes marketed as "half-moon angelfish".

When courting, the male Arabian Angelfish will swim around and above the female to check if she's ready to lay eggs. Once fertilized, the eggs float in the sea for a few weeks before settling on the ocean floor to hatch.

Experience the Arabian Angelfish on Your Red Sea Adventure

If you're planning a trip to the Red Sea, keep an eye out for these magnificent fish during your underwater adventures. While not as commonly encountered as some other species mentioned in our Types of Fish in the Red Sea guide, spotting an Arabian Angelfish is always a special treat.

Unlike the Dangerous Fish of the Red Sea, the Arabian Angelfish poses no threat to humans. They're simply a beautiful species to observe and photograph during your Red Sea exploration.

For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a private speedboat tour with Bullet Speedboats to visit the best snorkeling spots where you might encounter these and other colorful reef inhabitants.