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Little Shop of Coral

Imperator Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

Imperator Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

$130.00 CAD
$130.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Size

The Juvenile Imperator Angelfish is one of the most iconic saltwater fish in the hobby. Juveniles have that unreal blue-and-white circular striping that looks almost painted on, and they carry themselves like a true feature fish. As they grow, they undergo a dramatic colour change into the well-known adult emperor pattern. This is a larger angelfish that needs space, strong filtration, and a mature system for long-term success.

Why we love it

  • Stunning juvenile pattern and serious “show fish” presence

  • One of the most famous colour transitions in marine fish

  • Hardy when kept in a stable, well-fed, mature system

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 15–20 ppm (stable is best)

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive

  • Reef safe: With caution (may nip at LPS, soft corals, zoas, and clam mantles, especially as it matures)

  • Minimum tank size: 180 gallons recommended (larger is strongly preferred long-term)

Diet

A strong, varied diet is key for large Pomacanthus angels.

  • Foods with sponge content (highly recommended)

  • Frozen mysis and quality seafood blends

  • Spirulina and algae-based foods for variety

  • High-quality pellets (many will accept once established)

  • Feed 2 to 3 times per day, especially while juvenile

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Best with medium to large, confident fish

  • Can be territorial, especially toward other angels

  • Provide lots of rockwork for grazing and shelter plus open swimming space

  • In mixed reefs, monitor closely for coral nipping, especially as it grows

Juvenile colour change note

This listing is for a juvenile fish. As it matures, it will gradually transition into the adult Emperor Angelfish colour pattern. Timing and intensity can vary between individuals.

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Juvenile Imperator Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

  • Juvenile patterning and size can vary between individuals

As with all fish, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is strongly encouraged when possible for high-value systems.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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