Marine angelfish are one of the most beautiful families of fish found throughout the world.  The black banded angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus), also called the bandit angelfish, is a species of marine angelfish that loves tropic waters and is only found within a close proximity of the Hawaiian Islands.  It spends most of its time around rocky reef faces and caves, usually within depths that do not exceed 50 meters.  Unique to other marine angelfish, the coloration and body of the banded angelfish is unlike any other.  This species has a color scheme that closely resembles that of a masked bandit, thus its common name.  Many snorkelers diving off of the coast of the Hawaiian Islands often see this fish because unlike most fish, this angelfish actually seeks out humans in the water out of curiosity.  The bandit angelfish is a predator, prey, and even a host to other organisms in its habitat.  Not only is it of importance within its own habitat, but is also to pet owners.  Even though it is not a highly commercialized fish, due to its diet and its fairly large size, it is still able to be purchased from pet stores and has the potential to be a suitable fish for many aquarium owners with specific care and a pretty large tank.

          

        The bandit angelfish, and most other marine angelfish, are protogynous hermaphrodites.  This is caused by the territorialism of males and the females they accompany.  One male is often in charge of many females, or a harem.   These males are very territorial of the harem, thus, when the male dies and the harem is in need of a new leader, a female changes sex and becomes the new male leader of the harem.   Bandit angelfish are mostly females as juveniles; however, some change sex during maturation and become males.  This is why there is a large ratio of female to males within this species.

 

 

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