How to Identify French Angelfish

To identify French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are dark gray to black with bright yellow margins on most scales, creating a distinctive 'chain-link' pattern. The pectoral fins have a prominent yellow bar at the base. The mouth is white. Juveniles are entirely black with five vertical yellow bands: one across the snout, one behind the eye, one across the body, one at the base of the dorsal fin, and one on the caudal peduncle. The caudal fin is also yellow.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Adults: Dark body with yellow-rimmed scales, yellow pectoral fin base, white mouth., Juveniles: Black body with five prominent vertical yellow bands., Strong preopercular spine (gill cover spine).

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 10 spines and 29-31 soft rays. Posterior portion is rounded.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin, often with a yellow margin in adults.

Pectoral fin

Large, rounded pectoral fins with a distinctive yellow bar at the base in adults.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is similar in shape and length to the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin, with 3 spines and 23-24 soft rays. Pelvic fins are elongated.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Adult Coloration

   Look for the dark body with each scale edged in bright yellow, creating a reticulated pattern. The yellow bar at the base of the pectoral fin and the white mouth are key identifiers.

2. 2

   Juvenile Coloration

   Identify by the jet-black body with five distinct, vertical yellow bands. This pattern is unique among angelfish juveniles in its range.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Laterally compressed, deep-bodied fish typical of angelfish, but generally larger than many other Caribbean angelfish species.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Often seen in pairs, especially adults, or as solitary individuals. Juveniles are frequently observed cleaning other fish.

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