{"product_id":"cortez-angelfish","title":"Cortez Angelfish - Adult","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Adult Cortez Angelfish (\u003cem\u003ePomacanthus zonipectus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a large, impressive saltwater fish with a mature appearance dramatically different from its brightly striped juvenile stage. Adults develop a blue-gray to charcoal body with a pale speckled midsection, intricate reticulated markings across the rear body and fins, and bold yellow bands around the head and shoulder. A blue-green edge along the dorsal and anal fins adds another layer of color to this substantial marine aquarium fish. The species can reach approximately 18 inches in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical eastern Pacific, the Cortez Angelfish ranges from the Gulf of California and Pacific coast of Mexico south to Peru. Adults roam widely over rocky and reef habitat, often occurring in pairs or loose groups. In nature they feed primarily on sponges, supplemented by tunicates, algae, bryozoans, hydroids, and other benthic foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its exceptional adult size, specialized feeding needs, and tendency to consume sessile invertebrates, \u003cem\u003eP. zonipectus\u003c\/em\u003e is best suited to a very large fish-only or FOWLR aquarium. It can become a striking centerpiece when provided with substantial swimming space, mature rockwork, and a varied diet containing sponge material.\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 \/ Spongivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Pacific – Gulf of California and Pacific Mexico south to Peru\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus zonipectus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum aquarium size of 250 gallons is appropriate for this species based on its documented adult size of approximately 18 inches and the substantial swimming space required by mature \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a large, mature aquarium with extensive horizontal swimming room and substantial rockwork arranged into caves, arches, overhangs, and crevices. Adult Cortez Angelfish are powerful, deep-bodied swimmers, so the aquascape should offer shelter without restricting movement through the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished rockwork is especially valuable because it provides natural grazing surfaces and secure retreat areas. Strong filtration, good oxygenation, and consistent water movement are recommended for a fish of this size and feeding requirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo specialized substrate is necessary. Sand or a conventional marine substrate works well as long as the rockwork is stable and there is enough unobstructed space for an adult to turn and cruise comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cortez Angelfish is an omnivore with a strong natural dependence on \u003cstrong\u003esponges\u003c\/strong\u003e. Wild fish also consume tunicates, algae, bryozoans, hydroids, and other foods encountered while grazing over reef surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, offer high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponge, Spirulina, marine algae, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped shrimp and other marine seafood, frozen omnivore blends, and quality marine pellets. Sponge-based angelfish foods should remain a regular part of the diet rather than an occasional supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed two to three smaller meals daily when practical. Mature live rock can provide additional grazing opportunities between prepared feedings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cortez Angelfish is \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e and can become territorial as it matures, particularly toward other large angelfish with a similar body shape. For most home aquariums, keeping a single large angelfish is the safest arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include large tangs, rabbitfish, robust wrasses, triggerfish of appropriate temperament, larger clownfish, and other substantial marine fish capable of holding their own without continually provoking the angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid very timid species that may be intimidated or prevented from feeding. Housing multiple large angelfish requires considerably more than the minimum aquarium size, extensive visual barriers, and carefully planned introductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cortez Angelfish is \u003cstrong\u003enot reef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sponges and tunicates are natural foods, and aquarium specimens may also consume or repeatedly nip soft corals, stony corals, clam mantles, and other sessile invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough individual behavior can vary, the feeding ecology of this species makes coral damage a predictable risk rather than an unusual exception. A large fish-only or FOWLR aquarium is therefore the most appropriate long-term environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnamental shrimp, crabs, and snails are not its primary natural prey, but any reef system containing valuable sessile invertebrates should be considered unsuitable for an adult specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–78°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\u003eEstablished aquarium references recommend temperatures around 72–78°F for this species. Maintain excellent water quality and prioritize stable salinity, temperature, and pH over continually adjusting the aquarium to reach one exact number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery large adult fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Cortez Angelfish can reach approximately 18 inches and requires a minimum 250-gallon aquarium with substantial swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reef safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft corals, stony corals, sponges, tunicates, and clam mantles may be eaten or damaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSponge-rich nutrition is important:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use quality angelfish preparations containing sponge alongside algae and varied meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse caution with other angelfish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature individuals may become territorial toward similarly shaped large angels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle carefully:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like other large marine angelfish, the species has strong cheek spines that can become caught in nets and can complicate handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Large (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":50785097023786,"sku":"ANGELxCortezL","price":504.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":50785096958250,"sku":"ANGELxCortezXL","price":634.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (7.6-8.5\")","offer_id":50785096991018,"sku":"ANGELxCortezXX","price":1010.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (8.6-10.5\")","offer_id":52151195599146,"sku":"ANGELxCortezSH","price":1328.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"JUMBO (10.6\"+)","offer_id":52151195631914,"sku":"ANGELxCortezJ","price":1499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/topshelf-fish-glossary-cortez-angelfish-saltwater-aquarium-care-guide.png?v=1787760973","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/cortez-angelfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}