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Passer Angelfish (also known as the King Angelfish) are strikingly bold and beautiful additions to any large marine tank. With their vivid blue bodies, yellow tails, and electric blue mask-like markings, they bring a vibrant presence to reef aquariums. Native to the Eastern Pacific, these fish are known for their confident personalities and territorial behaviour. One of the unique features of the Passer Angel is how dramatically their appearance changes from juvenile to adult — a transformation that truly highlights their regal name. They grow fairly large, up to 35 cm, and need plenty of swimming space. I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your passer angel fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Passer Angel Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
A Passer Angel requires a spacious tank of at least 500 litres due to its active nature and eventual size. Water temperature should be stable between 24°C and 27°C, with a flow rate that mimics natural reef conditions — moderate to high. These fish appreciate strong oxygenation and clean water, so efficient filtration and regular water changes are key. A protein skimmer is a must. Aquascape the tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding spots. Be cautious with corals, as Passer Angels may nip at some soft and stony varieties, making them less reef-safe than other angels.
Feeding Your Passer Angel Fish
Passer Angelfish are omnivores and require a varied diet. Feed them a mix of high-quality marine angelfish pellets or flakes, supplemented with frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. They also benefit from marine algae sheets and sponge-based foods, which mimic their natural diet in the wild. Feed them 2–3 times daily in small amounts, ensuring all food is eaten within a few minutes. A balanced diet helps boost their immune system and keeps their colours vibrant. Overfeeding should be avoided to maintain water quality.
Health and Maintenance
Passer Angels are generally hardy but can be susceptible to common marine illnesses like marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and flukes, particularly when stressed or introduced to poor water conditions. Watch for signs such as rapid breathing, flashing, white spots, or a faded appearance. Quarantining new additions and maintaining water parameters are your best lines of defence. If illness does occur, copper-based treatments in a hospital tank are often effective. Regular maintenance, including weekly water testing and 10–15% water changes, will go a long way in keeping your fish happy and healthy.
Caring for a passer angel fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own passer tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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