{"product_id":"asfur-angelfish","title":"Asfur Angelfish - Pomocanthus asfur","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Asfur Angelfish (\u003cem\u003ePomacanthus asfur\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Arabian Angelfish or Crescent Angelfish, is a spectacular large marine angelfish prized for its dramatic adult coloration. Mature specimens display a deep blue to blue-violet body contrasted by a brilliant yellow tail and a bold yellow crescent-shaped band across the side. Juveniles have the classic dark body and curved blue-and-white striping seen in several \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e angelfish before transforming into their striking adult pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Indian Ocean, the Asfur Angelfish occurs throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and extends south along East Africa to Zanzibar. In nature, it inhabits coral-rich inshore reefs and feeds heavily on sponges and tunicates. Adults can reach approximately 16 inches, making this a substantial saltwater fish best suited to large, mature marine aquariums with extensive rockwork and generous swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold, intelligent, and highly visible, the Asfur makes an impressive centerpiece in a large fish-only aquarium or carefully planned reef aquarium. Like other large \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e species, it develops a confident, territorial personality as it matures and requires both adequate space and thoughtful tankmate selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 250 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and western Indian Ocean south to Zanzibar\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus asfur\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe generous aquarium recommendation reflects the species' approximately 16-inch maximum adult size and the substantial swimming and territorial space required by large \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large, well-established aquarium with substantial live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and protected retreats while preserving long stretches of open swimming space. A spacious tank footprint is especially important as the fish matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRockwork should be secure and offer multiple visual barriers, which can help reduce territorial interactions with tankmates. Mature live rock also provides natural surfaces for grazing throughout the day. No specialized substrate is required, although sand or fine gravel can be used according to the needs of the overall system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong circulation, robust filtration, efficient protein skimming, and consistent maintenance are appropriate for this large, active marine aquarium fish. While the Asfur Angelfish is not especially known as a habitual jumper, a secure aquarium cover is still recommended for a fully enclosed marine display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, adult Asfur Angelfish feed primarily on sponges and tunicates. Captive specimens should therefore receive a diverse diet rather than relying exclusively on standard pellets or meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer high-quality marine angelfish preparations containing sponge material along with mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped clam, mussel, shrimp, squid, and quality marine pellets or frozen blends. Spirulina-based foods and marine algae can also be incorporated to provide additional plant material and dietary variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeeding two to three smaller meals per day is preferable when practical. A varied, nutrient-rich diet is especially important during acclimation and helps support long-term condition and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Asfur Angelfish is best described as semi-aggressive. Established adults can become assertive and territorial, particularly toward other large assertive and territorial, particularly toward other large angelfish and fish with similar body shapes or feeding habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggression toward its own species can be severe, and \u003cem\u003eP. asfur\u003c\/em\u003e should normally be maintained singly unless a proven compatible pair is being housed in an exceptionally large aquarium. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include appropriately sized tangs, rabbitfish, wrasses, triggers, larger butterflyfish, and other robust community species that are unlikely to be intimidated. Very timid fish may be poor companions for a dominant adult. Mixing multiple large angelfish requires considerably more space, extensive rockwork, and careful introduction planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Asfur Angelfish should not be considered reliably reef safe. Large \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e angelfish may investigate or nip sessile invertebrates, and individual behavior can vary considerably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFleshy LPS corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clams, and other sessile invertebrates may be at risk. Well-established SPS-dominated displays may sometimes experience fewer problems, but no coral should be assumed completely safe with this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is generally a better fit for a large fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium when complete coral and invertebrate safety is a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable, well-oxygenated water and consistent husbandry are more important than attempting to maintain any single parameter at an exact number. Avoid rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or pH, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species can reach approximately 16 inches and require at least a 250 gallon aquarium for long-term housing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerritorial behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can be assertive, and aggression is especially likely toward other Asfur Angelfish or similar large angels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecialized dietary needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Include sponge-based marine angelfish foods in a varied diet rather than feeding only shrimp, pellets, or other conventional aquarium foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef compatibility varies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coral and clam nipping is possible, so reef placement should always be approached with caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvide mature rockwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caves, grazing surfaces, and visual barriers hep the fish acclimate and establish a secure territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Juvenile","offer_id":51810252161322,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurJ","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":50785094992170,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurS","price":428.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":51809718993194,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurSM","price":458.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":50785095024938,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurM","price":569.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":51809719025962,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurML","price":644.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":50785095057706,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurL","price":698.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":51809719058730,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurX","price":758.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (7.6-8.5\")","offer_id":51809719091498,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurXX","price":899.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (8.6-10.5\")","offer_id":51809719124266,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurSH","price":1169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"JUMBO (10.6\"+)","offer_id":51809719157034,"sku":"ANGELxAsfurJUM","price":1544.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/AsfurAngel1.png?v=1786983363","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/asfur-angelfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}