Description: The French angelfish is one of the larger of this species. The overall color of the disc-shaped body is dark gray to black, with bright yellow edges on the mid and posterior scales and circles around each eye. The face is a light blue with a white chin, mouth and brush like teeth. The pectoral fin has a yellow bar and the squared caudal fin is dark with a yellow margin. The dorsal and anal fins have streamers; prominent spine on gill cover. Adult sexes are similar; juveniles have a black body with three vertical yellow bars.
Size: Their size normally ranges between 10 – 16 inches (25-41 cm).
Behavior: French angelfish typically spend nights in reef crevices, spending the days foraging for food and protecting their territory. Juveniles set up cleaning stations for many species of fish to remove parasites.
Diet: Although juveniles remove parasites from other fish, they also eat algae and waste material. Adults feed on sponges and a variety of other items such as algae, corals, gorgonians, tunicates, and hydroids.
Reproduction: It is believed that monogamous pairs are formed. Spawning occurs when the pair swim to the surface and eggs and sperms are released into the water. The eggs soon hatch and the larvae are in the plankton stage, settling on the coral reef.
Habitat/range: They are found in coral reef areas that offer rocky areas and reefs that have hiding places for their protection, in both the western and eastern Atlantic.
Status: Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.
