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  • EnglishName: Semicircular angelfish
  • Local Name : Baiburu kokaamas
  • Size : Max. 38 cm
  • Family: POMACANTHIDAE
  • Order :Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 13 spines and 20-23 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 18-21 rays. Pectoral fin rays 19-21. A filament posteriorly on dorsal and anal fins.
  • Colour: Greenish body with dark flecks. Bright blue streaks on cheek, and the posterior part of the body with a blue outline. Lips yellow. Juveniles dark blue with white and pale blue crescents on their sides.
  • Habitat and Biology: Adults occur in coastal reefs with heavy coral growth to depths of 30 m. Generally solitary, but sometimes seen in pairs. Feeds on sponges, tunicates and algae.
  • Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
  • Remarks: Pomacanthus semicirculatus is rare in the Maldives. However, one pair lived on the wreck of
    ‘Maldive Victory’ near Hulhule for several years.