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Koran Angelfish
Pomacanthus semicirculatus
Also known as Semicircle Angelfish, Koran Angel
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Pomacanthidae
📍 Indo-Pacific, Red Sea to Western Pacific
Large angelfish with a spectacular juvenile pattern — vivid blue with concentric semicircular white lines resembling Koranic script (hence the name). Adults transition to a more subdued yellow-green. Popular and relatively adaptable.
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Care Guide
Diet
Koran Angelfish are omnivores with a strong preference for sponges and soft corals in the wild. Feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini). Supplement with sponge-based foods 2-3 times weekly. Feed adults once daily in portions they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially as they mature. Juveniles are more peaceful but become increasingly aggressive toward similar-sized fish and other angelfish. They are active mid-water swimmers that spend considerable time grazing on surfaces. Nocturnal tendencies mean they may be more active during evening hours.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and difficult. Pairs require very large tanks (250+ gallons) and specific environmental triggers including seasonal temperature fluctuations. Larvae are difficult to rear and require specialized micro-foods. Most captive specimens are wild-caught, making breeding success virtually undocumented in home aquaria.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; occupy different tank zones
Bottom-dweller; minimal competition; hardy and compatible
Both are angelfish; only attempt in very large tanks with ample space
Beneficial symbiotic relationship; reduces parasites and aggression
Peaceful, nocturnal; avoids direct competition
Common Diseases
Marine Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, increase aeration, use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy; quarantine infected fish
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality, perform 25% water changes, use antibiotic treatments or marine antibacterial medications
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)
Pitting or erosion on head and lateral line, loss of scales, visible grooves
Improve diet with vitamin-enriched foods, enhance water quality, supplement with vitamin C; often linked to poor nutrition or water conditions
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, respiratory distress
Quarantine fish, treat with copper-based or formalin treatments; maintain excellent water quality and perform frequent water changes
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- omnivore/sponge
- maxSize
- 15 inches
- salinity
- SG 1.020–1.025
- minTankSize
- 180 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Water it likes
- ph
- 8.1–8.4
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- temperature
- 75–81°F (24–27°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C