Six Band Angelfish (Pomacanthus sexstriatus)
Description:
The Six Band Angelfish, also known as the Sixbar Angelfish, is a large marine angelfish with bold markings and a striking change in appearance as it matures. Best suited to experienced marine aquarists, it requires a spacious, established aquarium.
Description and Appearance:
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Colouration: Adults have a yellowish-brown body with dark vertical bands, a dark head and a contrasting white band behind the eye. Bright blue spots decorate the body and fins.
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Size: Can reach approximately46 cm in total length. Plan for its full adult size, even when purchasing a small juvenile.
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Juvenile vs. Adult: Juveniles are dark blue-black with narrow white and blue curved bands. These gradually develop into the adult pattern.
Natural Habitat:
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Geographic Range: Found throughout the tropical western Pacific, including southern Japan, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and northern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef.
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Environment: Inhabits coastal reefs, lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of approximately1–60 metres. Juveniles favour sheltered inner reefs, while adults occupy coral-rich areas, either alone or in pairs.
Care Requirements for the Aquarium:
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Care Level: Moderate to difficult; requires experienced care, stable conditions and a varied diet.
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Tank Size:800 litres is a starting point for a medium-sized specimen, with a substantially larger aquarium needed as it approaches its maximum size. Tank length, width and turning space are particularly important.
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Aquascape: Provide mature live rock for grazing, secure caves and generous open swimming space.
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 24–27°C.
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pH: 8.1–8.4.
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Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.023–1.026.
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Water Quality: Maintain undetectable ammonia and nitrite, low nitrate and strong oxygenation. Use effective biological filtration, a protein skimmer and regular partial water changes.
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Water Flow: Moderate to strong circulation, with sheltered resting areas.
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Diet: Offer marine angelfish preparations containing sponge, supplemented with mysis shrimp, nori and spirulina-based foods. Feed several small meals daily.
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Compatibility: Can become territorial, particularly towards other large angelfish. Choose suitably sized tank mates and provide ample space.
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Reef Suitability:Not reef safe. May nip corals, clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates; a fish-only aquarium with live rock is generally the better choice.
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Lifespan: A long-term commitment.
