Holacanthus arculatus (black bandit angel)

2008/01/26 08:23
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I heard that Holacanthus arculatus (Black bandit angel) is imported  in LFS.
Very attractive fish but also very expensive...about (700$)
It is interesting it may need to needling for adaptation. -??
Src from: http://z.about.com/d/saltaquarium/1/0/5 ··· _300.jpg
                                               

Scientific Name: Holacanthus arculatus (Gray, 1831), or Desmoholacanthus arcuatus.

Identification: A truly spectacular fish that is a Family Pomacanthidae member, the Black and White Bandit Angelfish is of the large sized Holacanthus genus. As you can see from the photo it has a very distinctive appearance, and because of the texture of the scales in the white area of the body, when you see this fish live it has an almost pearlescent look to it.
Distribution: Endemic to the Hawaiian area.

Other Common Names: Bandit Angelfish, Black and White Banded Angelfish, Black Banded Angelfish.

Minimum Tank Size Suggested: 100 gallons.

Hawaiian Name: None known.

Average Size: To about 7 inches.

Habitat: A shy fish, it should be provided with ample shelter. It has a very specialized sponge diet, as well as needs well established live rock growth to graze on.

Characteristics & Compatibility: Due to inhabiting deep ocean waters, when this fish is collected it may encounter decompression sickness. Some fish collectors use a procedure called "needling", which is a process of piercing a small hole in the fish's air bladder with a syringe needle to release the trapped air. Unless a person is well experienced in this procedure, it can lead to complications with internal infections.
If you buy this fish be sure to check it out thoroughly. It should be flying level, not struggling at a vertical position, and its abdomen should is not puffed out. These are usual signs of a possible internal bladder infection or residual effects of decompression sickness. Bandit Angels are quite agressive and territorial. In the wild you will find this fish swimming singly or in small groups of three or four, which most likely is a male with several females.
Diet & Feeding: This Angelfish relies on sponges as its sole source of food, and can easily starve in captivity. If you are interested in keeping one, it wise to wait for a larger juvenile or sub-adult specimen. In most cases these specimens will adapt to tank fed foods more readily then very small juveniles or large adults. They can be raised on any of the frozen fares that are now available on the market that "include edible sponge in them" to supplement their diets, and be fed other suitable Angelfish foods.
For more details on the overall characteristics, compatability, diet and feeding of this and other saltwater Angelfishes, refer to our Family Pomacanthidae Profile.
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