How to 'pair' Majestic Angelfish(Pomacanthus navarchus)
- Thread starter haydn
- Start date
ThRoewer
New member
When I paired my first 2 pacific regal angels back in the early 90s I had already one and - assuming back then that it was a young male - told a wholesaler I sold tank raised clownfish to get me a matching female. Luckily the fish he brought me a few months later was larger than the (as it turned out) female I already had.
After adding the newcomer to the tank, the established fish immediately showed it's submissiveness and that was that. There were later a few chases, but that's normal and doesn't usually lead to injury. Though back then they didn't really show much pair behavior (= one following the other and being always close to each other). It may have been their age (still young adults) or an indicator that there are more differences between the blue and the yellow regal angels that meets the eye.
My current yellow Sumatra regals behaved very similar when I put them together, though the smaller one always tries to be close to the larger who not always likes that and chases her away. Though the aggression is clearly going down and I see them more often close to each other. I would say the bonding process in under way and the larger may be starting the transformation to become the male.
With P. navarchus you should not expect much more than acceptance as I haven't found any indication that this species forms bonded pairs.
After adding the newcomer to the tank, the established fish immediately showed it's submissiveness and that was that. There were later a few chases, but that's normal and doesn't usually lead to injury. Though back then they didn't really show much pair behavior (= one following the other and being always close to each other). It may have been their age (still young adults) or an indicator that there are more differences between the blue and the yellow regal angels that meets the eye.
My current yellow Sumatra regals behaved very similar when I put them together, though the smaller one always tries to be close to the larger who not always likes that and chases her away. Though the aggression is clearly going down and I see them more often close to each other. I would say the bonding process in under way and the larger may be starting the transformation to become the male.
With P. navarchus you should not expect much more than acceptance as I haven't found any indication that this species forms bonded pairs.
ThRoewer
New member
Well, it seems there are navarchus pairs in the wild after all:
http://www.bluereefphoto.org/p291950752/h2E774398#h2e774398
<a href="http://www.bluereefphoto.org/p291950752/e2e774398" title="Blue-girldled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus) pair"><img src="http://www.bluereefphoto.org/img/s6/v140/p779568024-3.jpg" width="580" height="387" alt="Blue Reef Photography: Photo Timeline &emdash; Blue-girldled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus) pair" /></a>
Operculum spine size seems to be a difference in male and female with these as well...
http://www.bluereefphoto.org/p291950752/h2E774398#h2e774398
<a href="http://www.bluereefphoto.org/p291950752/e2e774398" title="Blue-girldled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus) pair"><img src="http://www.bluereefphoto.org/img/s6/v140/p779568024-3.jpg" width="580" height="387" alt="Blue Reef Photography: Photo Timeline &emdash; Blue-girldled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus) pair" /></a>
Operculum spine size seems to be a difference in male and female with these as well...
ThRoewer
New member
And this must be a party - 3 pairs at once:
And here a pair of P. xanthometopon:
And a blue chest regal pair:
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/pomacanthus-navarchus.html
Wow thanks for that.
As you commented there does seem a significant difference in the size of the operculum spine, that may be an indicator of sexual difference, but this may only be obvious in near fully grown fish. I have put the images in photoshop and blown them up but I can't see any other obvious differences unfortunately.
I have to admit those picture of the pair swimming together make me even more determined to try- they look stunning together!!
As you commented there does seem a significant difference in the size of the operculum spine, that may be an indicator of sexual difference, but this may only be obvious in near fully grown fish. I have put the images in photoshop and blown them up but I can't see any other obvious differences unfortunately.
I have to admit those picture of the pair swimming together make me even more determined to try- they look stunning together!!
ThRoewer
New member
Google is your friend when it comes to seeking knowledge 
As for other differences between male and female - I feel that a general difference is body shape. Males are generally more "stretched" in comparison to females. There are some hints of that in the pictures as well.
BTW: until yesterday DD had two young navarchus that could be male and female. The size difference between them was also ideal for a pairing attempt and they also had the body shape difference.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
As for other differences between male and female - I feel that a general difference is body shape. Males are generally more "stretched" in comparison to females. There are some hints of that in the pictures as well.
BTW: until yesterday DD had two young navarchus that could be male and female. The size difference between them was also ideal for a pairing attempt and they also had the body shape difference.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
This starts an interesting debate.
If as suggested Majestic Angelfish are harem forming with a male holding a large territory, inhabited by a number of females. The male will need to, presumably, physically defend it from other invading males, like in deer, the dominant stag has the largest antlers, holds the best territory and the most females. Then the development of a large operculum spine in the male must be as an intimidation display and only used as a last resort in fights. This would suggest that the spine must develop over time, as the fish becomes more dominant and moves into a better territory. It would also mean that the theory that if/when a male dies one of the females takes over (like anthias) is wrong.
However, if the fish form more 'exclusive' pairs is the spine a display option to attract a female i.e. the female chooses the 'best' male- similar to the behaviour I have seen in wrasse. I had 4 female peacock and one changed into a male and started to court the females who totally rejected him. Another female then changed, even though there was already a male in the tank. The females accepted the new male's fluttering and diving display and that male dug spawning pits which were visited by the 2 females although I never saw any spawning. The other male stayed at the rear of the tank totally ignored by the others.
So does the male spine develop as a masculine intimidation/fighting tool or as a decoration to attract females. If it is the latter then pairing should be easier, I just need to make sure I get a pair with different spine and physical sizes.
If it is the former then I need to be careful that the male with the spine doesn't see the smaller female as a threat to its dominance and potential territory holding and attack it. Unlike on the reef the female can't just swim away and out of sight, it will just be see as a fish trying to test the males dominance and not backing down.
If as suggested Majestic Angelfish are harem forming with a male holding a large territory, inhabited by a number of females. The male will need to, presumably, physically defend it from other invading males, like in deer, the dominant stag has the largest antlers, holds the best territory and the most females. Then the development of a large operculum spine in the male must be as an intimidation display and only used as a last resort in fights. This would suggest that the spine must develop over time, as the fish becomes more dominant and moves into a better territory. It would also mean that the theory that if/when a male dies one of the females takes over (like anthias) is wrong.
However, if the fish form more 'exclusive' pairs is the spine a display option to attract a female i.e. the female chooses the 'best' male- similar to the behaviour I have seen in wrasse. I had 4 female peacock and one changed into a male and started to court the females who totally rejected him. Another female then changed, even though there was already a male in the tank. The females accepted the new male's fluttering and diving display and that male dug spawning pits which were visited by the 2 females although I never saw any spawning. The other male stayed at the rear of the tank totally ignored by the others.
So does the male spine develop as a masculine intimidation/fighting tool or as a decoration to attract females. If it is the latter then pairing should be easier, I just need to make sure I get a pair with different spine and physical sizes.
If it is the former then I need to be careful that the male with the spine doesn't see the smaller female as a threat to its dominance and potential territory holding and attack it. Unlike on the reef the female can't just swim away and out of sight, it will just be see as a fish trying to test the males dominance and not backing down.
Last edited:
ThRoewer
New member
Since angelfish change sex I would rather think that the spine only grows to be larger long after the transition from female to male is completed.
But with navarchus it seems to be a bit different as from the pictures of pairs it seems that the females spine growth in a pair bond is actually inhibited. This is why I could imagine that they may form pairs at a rather young age.
I definitely don't think the opercula spines are in any way a fighting tool - they are just in no way suited for it.
Also keep in mind that pair formation in fish is not necessarily primarily for mating, but often a survival mechanism to be better able to defend a territory and to have a buddy to watch ones back while feeding in tight spaces.
But with navarchus it seems to be a bit different as from the pictures of pairs it seems that the females spine growth in a pair bond is actually inhibited. This is why I could imagine that they may form pairs at a rather young age.
I definitely don't think the opercula spines are in any way a fighting tool - they are just in no way suited for it.
Also keep in mind that pair formation in fish is not necessarily primarily for mating, but often a survival mechanism to be better able to defend a territory and to have a buddy to watch ones back while feeding in tight spaces.
Yes I agree it will be the male hormones which trigger the spine growth, and the spine probably gets bigger as the fish ages. I have seen suggestions that this species may live up to 20 years. It would be interesting to find out if a longer spine is an indicator of maturity in males and if the length of the spine is an indicator of dominance within the local population (assuming a pair hold a 'static' territory.
Whether it is inhibited by a hormone secretion from the male (maybe during spawning?) or the spine growth is a product of male hormones as the fish changes from female to male. I have no idea but if they do form stable pairs whilst they are young will help me pair them considerably.
Yes totally agree with this point (sorry) so it would suggest it is primarily an outward sign of 'maleness' or if the spines do get more impressive with age and place in the hierarchy.
If that was the case then same sex pairing would work but research suggests that doesn't happen and the fish fight. this of course may just be a result of a closed environment (tank) but your pictures suggest they tend to me male/female pairings.
My tank isn't ready for them yet and I think it may be nearer Christmas before it has matured enough but I'm already looking in the shops round here if they have Majestics in and studying individuals. A shop I use regularly has indicated they would be able and willing to help me- so watch this space..............
But please keep the discussion going, any thoughts may help a smooth 'marrage' and a PAIR OF MAJESTIC ANGELFISH in my system!!!:bounce3:
ThRoewer
New member
P. sextriatus, a close relative of P. navarchus and P. xanthometopon, has been investigated for age and size of sexes and was found to get up to 60 years old in the wild. I would think P. navarchus can get this old as well, in captivity with good care probably even more.
A's for same sex pairs to watch each other's backs - those have been observed as well.
I started a few threads with links to scientific research articles about pair formation of reef fish and pair and spawning behavior of angelfish. You might want to have a look at those.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
A's for same sex pairs to watch each other's backs - those have been observed as well.
I started a few threads with links to scientific research articles about pair formation of reef fish and pair and spawning behavior of angelfish. You might want to have a look at those.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
ThRoewer
New member
Here are the links to the threads:
Pair- Formation in Coral Reef Fishes
Pair and spawning behavior of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)
Pair- Formation in Coral Reef Fishes
Pair and spawning behavior of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)
Brilliant thanks for the links I'll have a read.
wayne in norway
New member
Hello Haydn
I think I'd pair them like anything else. Get two that are smallish, healthy and eating and keep them in a 4 footer separated by eggcrate until any signs of aggression abate.
I don't think you need to muck around with Divers Den or whatever. There are loads of super nice examples and they seem quite robust. I wouldn't bother getting juvies as they're a pain to feed.
I would get them the same time, and I would get them fast as any small fish coming in will be female but sex changes will happen in only a few weeks. If you're brave buy them in the bag.
I think for you this will be easy
I think I'd pair them like anything else. Get two that are smallish, healthy and eating and keep them in a 4 footer separated by eggcrate until any signs of aggression abate.
I don't think you need to muck around with Divers Den or whatever. There are loads of super nice examples and they seem quite robust. I wouldn't bother getting juvies as they're a pain to feed.
I would get them the same time, and I would get them fast as any small fish coming in will be female but sex changes will happen in only a few weeks. If you're brave buy them in the bag.
I think for you this will be easy
Hi Wayne long time since we chatted
I tried your method with Regal angels and found it a bit hit and miss, some never became compatible. I also found the transfer to my display affected them and they started 'handbags' again.
I'm not sure how quickly they change from female to male, or what triggers the change. I kept a solitary Regal Angel in a display tank for 7 years and as far as I could tell she? never changed into a male. Whereas in the tank containing the pair, one fish did display male characteristics, but it was a fairly slow change process. I'm not sure if the internal change happens quickly and the external signs are much slower to appear or they need a 'trigger' i.e. pairing to start them changing.
I tried your method with Regal angels and found it a bit hit and miss, some never became compatible. I also found the transfer to my display affected them and they started 'handbags' again.
I'm not sure how quickly they change from female to male, or what triggers the change. I kept a solitary Regal Angel in a display tank for 7 years and as far as I could tell she? never changed into a male. Whereas in the tank containing the pair, one fish did display male characteristics, but it was a fairly slow change process. I'm not sure if the internal change happens quickly and the external signs are much slower to appear or they need a 'trigger' i.e. pairing to start them changing.