The Sixbar Angelfish (Pomacanthus sexstriatus) is a large, striking marine fish known for its bold vertical striping and regal presence. Native to the Indo-Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to the waters of Indonesia and the Philippines, this species is best suited for large, well-maintained marine aquariums with ample swimming space and rock structures.
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A Name That Reflects Its Appearance
The "Sixbar" name comes from the six distinct vertical bars that run along its body, creating a dramatic striped pattern. Juveniles exhibit a more vivid and contrasting coloration, which softens as they mature into their elegant adult form, with golden-yellow tones and dark banding.
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Growth and Tank Requirements
The Sixbar Angelfish is a large species, growing up to 18 inches in length. Due to their size and active nature, they require a minimum tank size of 220 gallons, though larger aquariums (300+ gallons) are ideal for long-term care. Their tank should include:
Plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding
Open swimming space for movement
Strong filtration and protein skimmers to handle their bio-load
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Care and Water Parameters
This angelfish requires pristine water quality and a stable environment, with:
Temperature: 74-82°F
pH Range: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.020-1.025
Water Hardness: 8-12 dKH
Regular water changes and a strong filtration system are essential to maintaining water quality. Sixbar Angelfish may also nip at corals, making them not entirely reef-safe.
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Diet and Feeding
Sixbar Angelfish are omnivorous, requiring a diverse diet that includes:
Marine angelfish pellets and high-quality flakes
Spirulina, nori, and other marine algae
Frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood
Sponges and tunicates, either naturally occurring on live rock or supplemented in their diet
Providing a varied diet with marine algae and sponge-based nutrition is crucial for their long-term health and vibrant coloration.
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Unique Behaviors
Sixbar Angelfish are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially as they mature. They are best housed alone or with other large, similarly tempered fish. Keeping them in a well-structured environment with hiding spots can help reduce aggression.
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Important Considerations
This species is not recommended for beginners, as they require a large, well-maintained marine aquarium with stable water parameters. Due to their potential coral-nipping behavior, they are best suited for fish-only or FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) setups rather than full reef tanks.
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Please note that these are general guidelines, and for more accurate values, we encourage you to contact Living Aquarium by phone or in person. Within store hours, our team of experts are always happy to answer any questions you may have and provide personalized guidance on care.