Clarion Angelfish

Holacanthus clarionensis is a species of marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae found predominantly off the Pacific coast of Mexico. This fish is popular in aquarium trade due to its colors and high price tag.

Description

It has a deep compressed rectangular shaped body and can vary significantly in color. It generally has brownish orange body, dark brown head, a broad bright orange band behind the head, and an orange caudal fin. Juveniles are brownish orange with narrow blue stripes on the head and sides; these stripes narrow with maturity. It has a small mouth with brush-like teeth and its gill covers have a long spine attached. It features a single continuous dorsal fin with 14 spines and 17 to 19 rays. Its anal and dorsal fins end in filaments and are normally highly colored. Its caudal fin is straight with extended outside edges. Its body is covered with rough scales.

Distribution

Eastern Central Pacific: southern tip of Baja California, Mexico; also from Clarion, and the Revillagigedo Group off the western coast of Mexico and from Clipperton Island.

Habitat

It resides over and within rocky reefs at depths up to 30 m (100 feet). It is found either as solitary individuals or in aggregations. The Clarion Angelfish is poorly studied with very limited information available about their lifestyle and behavioral patterns including specific details on age, growth, longevity, movement patterns, diet, habitat use, and reproduction.