Taxonomy of Finfish (1+2)

3.3.9.1.22 Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)

• Elongate body - oval to orbicular in shape/strongly compressed
• Mouth protrusible
• Dorsal fin single, continuous without a notch
• A strong spine at an angle in preopercle

Eg. Pomacanthus semicirculatus 

 

Similar Families

Chaetodontidae - No strong spine at angle in preopercle region; in axillary scaly process at base of pelvic fin; more compressed body.

Ephippidae - Axillary scaly process at base of pelvic fin absent, strong preopercle spine, more compressed, dorsal and anal fins very elongate.

Scatophagidae - Dorsal fin with a deep notch; mouth not protrusible; no strong peropercle spine; 4 spines present in anal fin; axillary scaly process. wanting at base of pelvic fin.