Townsend Angelfish (Holancanthus Townsend)

The Townsend Angelfish, also known as the Bermuda Blue Angelfish, exhibits a striking blue-brown coloration with green shades and vivid yellow accents on its tail and fin tips. In contrast, the young of this species are dark blue with a yellow tail and fins, adorned with vertical blue stripes on their bodies. This species can reach a length of up to 18 inches.

Habitually found near rocks, corals, and sponges, the Townsend Angelfish also frequents boulders, caves, and crevices in shallow waters. Notably, adult Bermuda Blue Angelfish are capable of producing a distinct, loud thumping noise, serving both as a deterrent to predators and a surprising element to divers. This fish is known for its lack of selectivity in harassing other fish, especially newcomers in an aquarium setting, and is best introduced last into any tank. It is important to note that this species is not suitable for reef aquariums.

Featuring a large mouth and comb-like teeth, the Townsend Angelfish requires a spacious aquarium. Its diet mainly consists of sponges, but it also consumes tunicates, jellyfish, corals, plankton, and algae. Juvenile Townsend Angelfish have been observed feeding on parasites found on other fish. In domestic aquariums, aquarists have successfully adapted the diet of the Angelfish to include both meaty and algae-based foods.