Rare fish from South Africa Old Woman Angelfish (Pomacanthus rhomboides)

[Indianocean]

These fish are found is shallow reefs of Durban and Umkomaas. It is found between 8m to about 30m of water. I some places it is close inshore.

I think this fish has a remarkable change from juvenile to adult. Whereas nearly all angelfish are extremely colorful, especially in the Pomacanthus genus, the drab old woman angelfish is really the odd species out. The fact that the Old Woman angelfish lives primarily outside of typical fish collecting areas on the East Coast of Africa means that not even the juveniles are collected for the aquarium trade, at least not widely. They grow to about 40cm 15 inches. Live up to 8 years. They feed on small crabs and worms, sponges, sea squirts and coral polyps.

What do you guys think?

 

[tttony]

Nice juvi

 

[Indianocean]

Nice juvi

I agree. Juveniles and adults have different patterns and colours. Juveniles have a dark blue background with a pattern of blue and white, vertical lines. These can be confused with other juvenile angelfish species at first glance. Adults are grey-brown but paler on the hind third. The adults are unique amongst members of this genus for their drab colour.

 

[crox99]

Pretty cool looking fish!!!! I am an angel junkie so please kept them coming.

 

[Indianocean]

Pretty cool looking fish!!!! I am an angel junkie so please kept them coming.

Will try. Next couple won't be Angelfish but still very cool fish.

 

[MIKE NY]

like many of the Pomacanthus species of Angels there is a drastic change in coloration from juvi to adult and many including this fish look better as juvis...IMO

 

[Indianocean]

like many of the Pomacanthus species of Angels there is a drastic change in coloration from juvi to adult and many including this fish look better as juvis...IMO

I agree but following the process must be a awesome experience.