Difference between two emperor angelfishes ?

[Thomas / Grotech]

Does anyone know the difference between the two emperor angelfishes ? (Mask)
Different regions of origin or a colour mutation?
The one in the background looks "normal".
Both swimming since years in my 1300 Gallon tank.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=626588237416546&set=a.478705675538137.1073741829.155271191214922&type=1&theater

Thanks !!

 

[skinz78]

Hmm, maybe area of collection?

 

[MrDJeep123]

One could be female and the other male if they've been together for any length of time. They say there is no discernable way to tell, but I think sometimes there are exceptions. The other could be as already stated differing region. Another possibility is the lighter colored isn't finished transitioning.

 

[kams56]

Hmm, maybe area of collection?

I agree when I first saw he picture my first thought was that the one in the back came from the red sea. I dont know how much truth there is to it but I do hear that fish from the red sea have more vibrant colors.

 

[larangcon]

Welcome to R2R
Nice Emperor Angels, I would agree, the collection area is the difference between the two Angels

 

[woodzy128]

Wherever there from, they are beautiful!

 

[watdachuck]

That is my favorite fish!!! Please share more photos if you have them, especially juvenile or color transition.

Did you buy them as a mated pair, or just introduce two into your massive aquarium???

 

[Thomas / Grotech]

That is my favorite fish!!! Please share more photos if you have them, especially juvenile or color transition.

Did you buy them as a mated pair, or just introduce two into your massive aquarium???

After the bigger one was full coloured I bought the second in juv. colour.
Since about 2 month I put a third in juv. colour to them. Only the first days they hunt him under loud “barking” a little bit. Now they ignore the small one.

 

[Thomas / Grotech]

Welcome to R2R
Nice Emperor Angels, I would agree, the collection area is the difference between the two Angels

No idea !
Have checked hundrets of pictures in the internet, but havn`t seen one with the same drawing.

 

[Singlefin]

My friend just gave me an orange tailed emperor from Christmas Island. He said those are more sought after because they have more vibrant colors. I've had it for a couple months now.

 

[Singlefin]

This is a google pic of an adult.

 

[Thomas / Grotech]

Once again the different of my 2 imperators.

 

[MattL22]

Stunning pair!
Interesting variation with their masks good luck finding the answer!!

 

[Thomas / Grotech]

That`s really interesting !! => https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=528979137177457&set=p.528979137177457&type=1&theater
It`s no imperator but really nice.
Some years ago on the Maledives, I made the picture.

 

[watdachuck]

They have been my favorite since I was a kid looking at fish books...here is a juvenile I had in a larger tank about ten years ago before it sold...

 

[MrDJeep123]

The other difference is the dorsal fin.

 

[miyags]

Love your fish!!! I have a baby in QT. I noticed in pictures that the dorsal fin towards the back, some are rounded and some have a point like a little streamer.(male/female)?.

 

[miyags]

The other difference is the dorsal fin.

Good eye!! your post wasn't up when I was typing.

 

[MrDJeep123]

The other difference is the dorsal fin.

I couldn't edit, so here's my edit.

The other difference is the dorsal fin, just noting.


Courtship and spawning in the emperor angelfish Pomacanthus imperator, with comments on reproduction by other pomacanthid fishes - Springer

You'll have to click "Look Inside" on the upper right.
Page 2 goes into the differing sexes. I think it's worth noting that the base of the incomplete mask is gray, whereas the other imp's is darker, however, only slightly. Also the overall vibrancy of colors.