Holocanthus tricolor is a member of the angelfish family. Rock beauties have disk shaped bodies and extended dorsal and anal fins, although their fins are not as prominent as other angelfish. The coloration is the defining feature when trying to identify the fish. Adults have bright yellow faces and tails with black lips and body. Juveniles are mostly yellow with a small black spot near the back of their body that expands with age. Rock beauties can be found in shallow coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean spanning from Georgia to southeastern Brazil. Juveniles tend to seek shelter in the 3D structure reefs provide and adults swim around the reef protecting their territory. Rock beauties are not an endangered or threatened species, although they have been increasingly harvested for the aquarium trade because of their vibrant coloration.
Rock beauties were found in every reef spot we visited this week. They were more timid than the other angelfish and tended to stay near the reef rather than swimming up next to us snorkeling. I chose the rock beauty to write about because who doesn't love a punk rock fish with black lipstick?
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