The Niger Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus niger) is rarely talked about or even seen, but is highly deserving of attention. This deepwater Angelfish can be found in Japan and the South China seas. Literature states they are typically found at a depth of 38-44 fathoms or 228 to 264 feet, however, based on diver’s accounts they seem to [...]
The Niger Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus niger) is rarely talked about or even seen, but is highly deserving of attention. This deepwater Angelfish can be found in Japan and the South China seas. Literature states they are typically found at a depth of 38-44 fathoms or 228 to 264 feet, however, based on diver’s accounts they seem to drift across a variety of depths.
The photo below was taken by Koji Wada at Kashiwajima in June of this year. I am surprised this fish isn’t discussed more. Yes, it inhabits deepwater and would likely be very expensive, but it’s also one of the most striking Angelfish. The solid black body with contrasting pelvic and caudal fins makes other black fish, such as Centropyge nox look ugly in comparison.
These photos were taken around 55m or 180 feet deep. Koji took this photo to show this coral living at such depth. Some photosynthetics have been found at over 150m deep in Hawaii!
Via Fishpix, here are two more photos from Sagami Bay, Japan by K. Togashi (KPM-NR0023984, KPM-NR0023985). Taken at 17m depth. These photos show the white coloration on the pelvic fins also makes its way to the body where they connect. This gives the black silhouette a great streamlined shape.
Thank you to Koji Wada for sharing his great photos with us. If anyone has any information on C. niger in captivity or any collection in the past, please share it in the comments section or via e-mail: info (at) glassbox-design.com
