Cortez Angelfish (Captive Bred)

Also known as the Cortez Angel

The Cortez Angelfish is a stunning marine species prized for its elegant coloration and hardiness. Captive-bred specimens offer aquarists a sustainable, healthy alternative to wild-caught fish, with improved adaptability to aquarium life and better resistance to common diseases. Native to the Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California to Peru, this angelfish displays beautiful golden-brown to purple hues with distinctive blue markings that intensify with age.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pomacanthus zonipectus
• Common Names: Cortez Angelfish, Cortez Angel
• Adult Size: Up to 12–14 inches
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – will nip at corals, clams, and sessile invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size:  250+ gallons recommended for adults
• Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide extensive live rock formations with caves, overhangs, and swimming space. Cortez Angels appreciate both hiding spots and open areas for cruising. Strong water flow mimicking their natural Pacific reef habitat is beneficial.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Aquascape: Stable rockwork is essential as they grow large and active. Ensure rocks are securely placed to prevent collapse.
• Compatibility: Best housed with other semi-aggressive to aggressive fish of similar size. Avoid keeping with other large angelfish unless tank is exceptionally large (300+ gallons). Should be added after more passive species are established.

Diet & Feeding

Cortez Angelfish are omnivores requiring a varied, high-quality diet:

• Meaty Foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped squid, clams, krill, marine fish flesh
• Plant Matter: Marine algae (nori, sea lettuce), spirulina, high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponge material
• Specialty Foods: Angel Formula, foods with natural color enhancers containing sponge and algae
• Frozen Foods: Variety of frozen preparations designed for angels and large fish
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in smaller portions. Captive-bred specimens typically accept prepared foods more readily than wild-caught individuals.

Notes & Considerations

• Behavior: Cortez Angels establish territories and can be aggressive toward similarly shaped or colored fish. They may display dominance behaviors, especially in smaller tanks.
• Coral Compatibility: Definitely NOT reef-safe. Will consume soft corals, LPS, and nip at clam mantles and zoanthids. Best suited for fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) systems.
• Coloration Development: Juvenile coloration features vertical blue and yellow/orange bands. Adults develop darker bodies with brilliant blue striping and yellow-gold accents, particularly on the pectoral fins and face.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Like most angelfish, Cortez Angels are protogynous hermaphrodites (start female, can transition to male). Visual sexing is difficult; males may show slightly more intense coloration.
• Growth Rate: Captive-bred juveniles grow steadily with proper nutrition, reaching 6–8 inches within 2–3 years.

Why Choose Captive-Bred Cortez Angelfish?

Captive-bred Cortez Angelfish offer significant advantages over wild-caught specimens:

• Hardiness: Already adapted to aquarium conditions, processed foods, and captive water parameters
• Health: Raised in disease-free environments with proper quarantine protocols
• Sustainability: Reduces pressure on wild populations and reef ecosystems
• Feeding: Trained to accept prepared and frozen foods from early age
• Temperament: Generally less stressed and more acclimated to human interaction
• Longevity: Proven track record of thriving in captivity with proper care

Our captive-bred Cortez Angelfish are quarantined, conditioned, and acclimated to ensure they arrive healthy, parasite-free, and ready to thrive in your aquarium, providing you with a beautiful, sustainable centerpiece fish that will flourish for decades with appropriate care.