The Cortez Angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus) is a species of marine angelfish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae. It

Distribution and Habitat

is native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It was first formally described in 1862 by the American ichthyologist Theodore Nicholas Gill. The specific name zonipectus is a compound of zona meaning ‘belt’ and pectus meaning ‘breast,’ referring to the dark-brown girdle on the breast behind the pelvic and pectoral fins. The Cortez Angelfish occurs in the eastern Pacific Ocean from Puerto Penasco in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico, south to Peru. It is found at depths between 6 and 50 meters. Juveniles may also be found in tidal pools. The Cortez Angelfish

Physical Description

has a deep, compressed body with a short, blunt snout and a small mouth with numerous small bristle-like teeth. This species can reach a total body length of about 46 cm (18 in). Adults have the posterior half of the body covered by a matrix of crisscrossing lines, becoming yellowish-green toward the tail. A large yellow arc sits behind the pectoral fins, and a bright yellow saddle crosses the nape. Juveniles have a brownish-black background broken by six vertical vivid yellow bars from the face to the caudal peduncle, with parallel blue bars between. The Cortez Angelfish is diurnal and

Diet and Feeding

feeds on food items taken from the substrate. Its diet consists mainly of sponges but also includes tunicates, algae, bryozoans, hydroids, and fish eggs. Juveniles are known to act as cleaner fish, removing parasites from the surface of other fishes. Adults are found in pairs that range widely over the reef, while solitary juveniles are territorial.

Behavior and Reproduction

Spawning occurs from midsummer to early autumn. This species appears to be monogamous. Due to its large adult size,

Aquarium Care

the Cortez Angelfish requires a spacious aquarium of at least 200 gallons. Not considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.