Bandit Angelfish

Apolemichthys arcuatus

Also known as Black Bandit Angelfish, Banded Angelfish, Black-banded Angelfish, Hawaiian Bandit Angelfish

SaltwaterFish

Bandit Angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) — NPS photo - Randall Watanuki · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 7.1 in (18 cm)
Minimum tank: 90 gal (340 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Difficult
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Very rare
Reef safe: Reef safe with caution
Origin: Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, on deep reef slopes and drop-offs.
Family: Pomacanthidae

Overview

This is a demanding, expensive angel for experienced keepers, needing a mature 340 litre or larger tank with cooler, dim conditions around 23 to 26 C. Coax it onto sponge-based angelfish foods, mysis and varied meaty items, since wild sponge feeders can be slow to adapt. It nips clam mantles and stony and soft corals, so keep reef safety as caution or use a FOWLR setup. House one per tank in a calm, established system.

In the wild

The bandit angelfish wears a bold black stripe through the eye and along the body on a pale grey ground. It lives on deep Hawaiian reef slopes and drop-offs, often below normal diving depth. Wild fish feed heavily on sponges. Its Hawaiian endemic status and deep habitat make it rare and costly.

Good to know

Apolemichthys arcuatus reaches about 18 cm and is endemic to Hawaii and Johnston Atoll, with Desmoholacanthus arcuatus recorded as a synonym. It comes from deeper water than most collected angels. Specialist breeders have reared it in small numbers.