Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Juvenile. Photo (c) 2020 John Nevill.
Juvenile transitioning to adult colours. Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Scientific Name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus
English Name: Semicircle angelfish
Creole Name: Nyas
French Name: Poisson ange bleu
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 13; Dorsal rays: 20-23; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 18-22.
A full-bodied, ovoid, laterally compressed fish. Broad based and extended soft dorsal and anal fins with posterior filaments in adults. Snout and angular and projecting with terminal mouth. Preopercle spine well developed. Caudal fin rounded.
Colour. Adults body yellowish brown to yellowish green with numerous vertically elongate blue spots. Head, nape, opercle and throat to base of pectoral fin and pectoral fin itself, grey. Electric blue around eye and on edge of preopercle and opercle and preopercular spine. Leading edge of pectoral fin also blue. Dorsal, anal, pelvic and caudal fins as with same basal colour as body, though becoming darker distally, with small pale spots and electric blue edges. Juveniles dark with semicircular alternating blue and white stripes on body, head and tail.
Size:
Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 40 cm SL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Associated with protected areas of reefs with dense coral cover (depth 1-40m). Often near caves or kedges which offer shelter. Juveniles inhabit shallow protected areas. Solitary or in pairs. Feeds on sponges, tunicates, and algae. Juvenile pattern starts to change to that of adult at 8 to 16 cm.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, it is an occasional but not abundant component of the catch.
Notes:
References:
Anam, R. & Mostarda, E. (2012). FIELD IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO THE LIVING MARINE RESOURCES OF KENYA. UNFAO Rome, 2012. ISBN 978-92-5-107239-4
Bray, D.J. Pomacanthus semicirculatus in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/655 (30/06/19).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2019. FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5663 (30/06/19).
Heemstra P & Heemstra, E. (2004). Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa. NISC SAIAB. ISBN: 1-920033-01-7.
Pyle, R. et al 2010. Pomacanthus semicirculatus. The IUCN Red List 2010: e.T165851A6148505. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165851A6148505.en. (30/06/19).
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