Adult Pomacanthus imperator form territories which they vigorously defend against other members of their species, and even individuals of different sexes only come together to breed.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 12 cm
color
Sides with alternate blue and yellow stripes. Dorsal fin mainly yellow, caudal yellow, and anal blue and black. Black face mask with blue edge. Juveniles deep blue with curved circular white bands.
Typically found in isolated locations on the outer reef, near the edges and in caves of abundant coral habitats up to 25 m deep, this species feeds mainly on sponges.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 13-14 spines and 18-21 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 18-21 rays, 19-20 pectoral fin rays, a body depth of 1.6-1.8 in standard length, a soft dorsal fin that develops a point with growth, a finely serrate posterior margin of the preopercle, and a rounded caudal fin.