Pomacanthus Annularis, max. size addenda 4/24/2009
Hi Bob,
Got a possible correction to an reply I sent out the day before
yesterday about Pomacanthus selection in a 125 gallon tank.
I recommended Pomacanthus Annularis due to its smaller maximum size,
given as 8 inches on the WWM site.
As the querior pointed out, Fishbase lists the size at up to 16
inches, UofM Museum of Zoology lists sizes from 8 - 17 inches, with
an average of 12.
Who is right? Are the sizes we give the maximum expected in
captivity vs. what they can grow to in the wild?
Thanks
Mike
<Mmm, actually all are... taken in context or with explanation. The
species grows to at least a foot in the wild, so I would not dispute
15-16" as a maximum possibility. In captivity however, I've never
encountered one more than half this. Will amend WWM stmt. though,
and post this input as a reminder to do so. BobF>
Pomacanthus Annularis - Discrepancy on size WWM vs. Fishbase
vs. U of M:. 4/24/2009
Hi Crew,
<Hi Simon>
I noticed in the Daily FAQ's today that Mike suggested that a
Pomacanthus Annularis grows to just 8 inches, and thus would be
suitable for a 125 gallon tank. A quick browse of your FAQ's does
indeed indicate that this is the case, but on Fishbase the fish is
listed with a max size of 45cm, double the size indicated on WWM!
<I saw this as well, hence the delay in getting back with you.>
I have also seen other conflicting measurements for this fish in
other publications, sources, from 10 inches, to 12, to 14.
<Fishbase lists the size at up to 16 inches, University of Michigan
Museum of Zoology lists sizes from 8 - 17 inches, with an average of
12.>
Usually there is a slight difference of opinion between sources, but
in this case the difference in sizes mentioned is huge. Have WWM or
Fishbase got this wrong, and if so should someone somewhere be
notified to make changes as max sizes for Pomacanthus Angels are
critical when deciding if they are appropriate for home aquaria.
<I'll quote Bob here: "...The species grows to at least a foot in
the wild, so I would not dispute 15-16" as a maximum possibility. In
captivity however, I've never encountered one more than half this.
Will amend WWM stmt. though, and post this input as a reminder to do
so. BobF>
Cheers,
<Thanks for writing in.>
Simon
<Mike>
