Rock Beauty
Rock Beauty, Juvenile
| Name: | Rock Beauty |
| Scientific Name: | Holacanthus tricolor |
| Family: | Angelfishes |
| Taxonomic: | Pomacanthidae |
| ID Group: | Large Oval Fishes |
| Size: | 5 - 8 in. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
The Rock Beauty has a vibrant yellow front half that changes into a large, solid black patch covering the middle and back section of the body, with the tail bright yellow again. Juveniles are mostly yellow with a black spot outlined in blue on the upper back, and as they mature, this spot grows larger and darkens until it blends into the adult’s black patch.
The Rock Beauty is territorial, often staying near a protective hole or crevice. It eats mostly sponges but also eats algae and other small marine animals. Juveniles are much shyer and often hide in crevices, among fire corals, or inside empty shells. Rock Beauties are born female, and the largest, most dominant individual in a group can change into a male. Males guard a small group of females, and spawning occurs when pairs rise together and release many eggs into the water.