Koran Angelfish

The Koran Angelfish is a large and impressive Indo-Pacific angelfish that undergoes one of the most dramatic color transformations in the marine fish world. Juveniles display a stunning pattern of curved white and blue lines on a dark navy-blue to black background, with the lines forming semicircular patterns that give the species its scientific name. As the fish matures, this intricate juvenile pattern gradually fades and is replaced by an adult coloration of olive-green to tan body with blue speckles, a yellow-edged dorsal fin, and a distinctive blue gill cover.

The common name "Koran" derives from the juvenile markings, which some have likened to Arabic script found in the Quran. This species is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia, inhabiting coral-rich reef areas and lagoons. In the wild, Koran Angelfish are typically encountered as solitary individuals or in pairs, feeding on sponges, tunicates, algae, and various invertebrates.

The Koran Angelfish is considered an intermediate-level species for the home aquarium. It is one of the hardier large angelfish species and generally adapts well to captivity, accepting prepared foods readily. However, its substantial adult size of up to 16 inches demands a very large aquarium of at least 250 gallons. It is not reef-safe and will consume corals, sponges, and sessile invertebrates. This species is best suited for fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock systems where its impressive size and fascinating juvenile-to-adult transition can be fully appreciated.