There are over 70 different species of Angelfish found in warm ocean waters around much of the world; a few species are from fresh water. Angelfish belong to the family Pomacanthus. These brightly-colored fish live in coral reefs in tropical seas and shallow subtropical waters. Angelfish reproduce by laying hundreds of eggs at a time.

The Emperor Angelfish (Pomocanthus imperator, also known as the Imperator Angel) is a warm-water ocean fish. The juveline and adult Emperor Angelfish have very different coloration. The juveniles are striped black and white; adults are yellow, blue, black, and white.

Anatomy: The Emperor Angelfish grows to be about 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm) in the wild. Angelfish have a flattened body. The first gill cover has a spine; this can help distinguish Angelfish from the closely-related butterfly fish.

Diet: The Emperor Angelfish is a carnivore (meat-eater), eating coral heads, small invertebrates (like worms and sponges), and crustaceans (like shrimp and shellfish). They can crush hard-shelled prey with their powerful, beak-like jaws.

Most species of Angelfish are herbivores (plant-eaters).