Rock Beauty Angelfish

The Rock Beauty Angelfish is one of the most visually striking Caribbean angelfish, featuring a dramatic bicolored pattern with a bright yellow anterior half that sharply transitions to a deep velvety black posterior half. The face is accented with vivid blue around the eyes and lips, and juveniles display a small black spot rimmed in blue on the upper body that gradually expands to form the adult's distinctive black rear section. This bold color contrast makes the Rock Beauty one of the most recognizable fish on Caribbean reefs.

In the wild, Rock Beauty Angelfish are common inhabitants of coral reefs throughout the Caribbean, western Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico, where they are found from shallow reef crests down to depths of about 100 feet. They are closely associated with rocky substrates and reef formations where they feed heavily on sponges, which constitute the overwhelming majority of their natural diet. This extreme dietary specialization is the primary challenge for aquarists attempting to keep this species.

Reaching approximately 8 inches, the Rock Beauty Angelfish requires a minimum tank of 125 gallons. Despite its moderate size and stunning appearance, this species has earned a reputation as one of the most difficult angelfish to maintain in captivity due to its heavy dependence on marine sponges for nutrition. Many specimens refuse all prepared foods and slowly decline without access to fresh sponge material. Only highly experienced aquarists with established systems rich in natural sponge growth should consider attempting this challenging species. It is not reef-safe and will consume various sessile invertebrates.