Gray Angelfish

The Gray Angelfish is one of the largest angelfish species available in the marine aquarium hobby, capable of reaching an impressive 24 inches in the wild. Adults display an elegant body of gray to silver-gray with each scale edged in a slightly darker hue, giving the fish a distinctive dappled or chain-link appearance. The face features pale yellow accents around the mouth, and the interior of the pectoral fins shows a splash of yellow. While not as vibrantly colored as some tropical angels, the Gray Angelfish commands attention through its sheer size and dignified presence.

Native to the western Atlantic from New England to Brazil, including throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the Gray Angelfish is one of the most commonly encountered large angelfish on Caribbean reefs. In the wild, it is frequently seen in pairs on coral reefs, rocky areas, and around large sponge formations, which constitute a major part of its diet. Juveniles are black with bright yellow vertical bands and serve as cleaner fish for larger species.

Due to its exceptional adult size, the Gray Angelfish requires one of the largest aquariums of any commonly kept angelfish, with a minimum of 250 gallons recommended. It is decidedly not reef-safe and is best housed in a fish-only system with substantial filtration. Despite its imposing size, this species adapts remarkably well to aquarium life, readily accepting a wide variety of prepared foods and developing a bold, interactive personality that endears it to dedicated large-fish enthusiasts.