Emperor angelfish
Depth: 30 m · Sunlight Zone
The emperor angelfish wears bright blue and yellow stripes like a royal robe. Young emperor angelfish look completely different, with swirling patterns, and only change color as they grow up. It lives on the reef and defends its territory.
For scientists
The emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) goes through a dramatic color change from a blue-and-white ringed juvenile to a striped adult; the juvenile pattern signals that it is not a territorial rival. It feeds mainly on sponges, which are indigestible to most fish. In courtship it makes deep, drumming sounds.
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