Griffis angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Pomacanthidae (marine angelfishes)
Origin
Pacific, Southeast Asia to the Line Islands; most traded fish come from Kiritimati (Kiribati); outer reef slopes and drop-offs, 10–100 m
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
25 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
700 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Provide a large tank with ledges and caves in the rockwork. The minimum tank size of about 700 litres is our own estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources. No species-specific water figures are given in the sources, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance rather than figures for this fish: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020–1.025 (a fish-only system suits it). Keep conditions stable, with low nitrate and good oxygenation. Found alone, in pairs or in small groups. Usually less aggressive than large Pomacanthus angels. Ash-white with a broad black band and black spots, and a black-edged dorsal fin. The sexes look alike. The article gives up to 30 cm. Rarely exported and among the most expensive fish in the trade. IUCN: Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apolemichthysgriffisi). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats bottom-living invertebrates such as sponges, tunicates and crustaceans. Offer angelfish foods with sponge, frozen mysis and krill, chopped seafood and marine algae in several feeds a day.

Breeding

Marine angelfish are pelagic broadcast spawners: a pair rises into the water column, usually around dusk, and releases eggs and sperm together. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it grazes sponges and tunicates and will pick at stony and soft corals, clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates. Best in a fish-only system with live rock. Keep one large angelfish per tank unless the system is very large; add it after more peaceful fish and alongside robust tankmates such as tangs, larger wrasses and triggerfish of similar size. Avoid small, slow or timid fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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