Christmas Island Orange-Tail Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

Why it is a Collector's Vault fish: This is the Orange-Tail form of the Emperor Angelfish, a color variant the trade associates with Christmas Island in the central Pacific. Instead of the usual yellow tail it shows a rich yellow-orange to orange tail fin over the classic adult pattern of yellow stripes on a deep blue body with a dark mask. Fish from remote Christmas Island are collected in small numbers and flown out on limited flights.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Pomacanthus imperator
• Origin: Christmas Island (Central Pacific)
• Available sizes: Medium-Large (4" - 5"), XL (6" - 7")
• Care level: Medium
• Reef safe: With Caution
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Max size: 15 inches
• Minimum aquarium: 220 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Water: 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025

Compatibility

• Good tankmates: Tangs, larger wrasses, triggers and other robust fish
• Avoid: Other large angelfish; delicate corals and clams

Care Notes

• Needs a very large, mature aquarium with plenty of swimming room and live rock to graze
• Best suited to fish-only systems or carefully planned reefs, as large angelfish may nip at corals and clams
• Feed a varied diet that includes sponge-based and marine algae foods

How to Buy, Pickup & Shipping

• Conditioned (7-Day Hold): your fish usually reaches us the day after you order. We then hold it for at least 7 days to inspect it, make sure it is eating and check for any sign of disease before it goes home with you. Covered by our Collector's Vault Guarantee.
• Direct - Save 15%: released as soon as it arrives, with no conditioning period. Sold as-is with no live arrival or health guarantee.
• Store pickup in Sugar Land, or $100 flat-rate FedEx Priority Overnight shipping within the continental U.S. (ships Monday through Thursday; weather holds as needed).
• Full terms: Collector's Vault Shipping & Guarantee.