The Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur), also known as the Arabian Angelfish, is a species of marine angelfish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae. It was first formally described in 1775 by the Swedish naturalist Peter Forsskal. The species is principally found in the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. It is common around relatively sheltered inshore reefs with rich growth of soft and hard corals at depths between 3 and 30 meters.

Physical Description

Juveniles have a blue body marked with pale-blue and white stripes. Fully mature adults display an overall dark blue body with a blackish face, a yellow caudal fin, and a broad crescent-shaped yellow band running vertically across the flanks. The dorsal fin has 12 spines and 19-20 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 19-20 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 40 cm (15.7 in). The Asfur Angelfish

Diet and Feeding

feeds primarily on sponges and tunicates. It is a solitary and shy fish normally found near caves or crevices.

Behavior and Reproduction

It is a protogynous hermaphrodite.

Aquarium Care

The Asfur Angelfish requires a large aquarium of at least 180 gallons with stable water conditions and abundant live rock creating caves and crevices. It is semi-aggressive and not considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.