Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body deep, oval, laterally flattened; color and shape differ between adults and juveniles: In adults body is brownish red, scales edged with yellow; dorsal and anal fins with long rays extending past end of caudal fin, edged in blue, tips are yellow, hind margins are concave; caudal fin with yellow edge; pelvic fins yellow; pectoral fins with blue base, yellow center and edges somewhat translucent; preopercle flap serrated with large spine at base; mouth small. In juveniles, mouth area and chest are yellow to origin of anal fin; dark bar edged in light blue from top of head to chin; upper body and posterior of body dark with light blue streaks; pelvic and caudal fins yellow; dorsal and anal fins dark, edged in blue; posterior ends of fins angulate but no elongated rays as on adults. |
Similar Species |
The queen angelfish, H. ciliaris, has a "crown" on its head, i.e. a dark blue spot surrounded by a lighter blue ring and also has a dark blotch in the axil of the pectoral fin. In species of Pomacanthus the hind margins of the dorsal and anal fins are convex. |
Habitat |
Gulf, common around reefs and platforms |
Maximum Size |
46 cm (18 in), common to 35 cm (14 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XIV,19-21; A.III,20-21 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Underwater photo courtesy of TPWD Artificial Reef Marine Species. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |