Among the countless fish on the reefs of the Gili Islands, few are as instantly striking as the emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator). Once you have seen one, you will look for it on every dive and snorkel.
Adults are covered in fine, diagonal stripes of yellow and electric blue, with a bright yellow tail. A dark mask runs across the eyes, edged in blue, and the face below is pale. Fully grown, they can reach around 40 centimetres, and they often reveal themselves with a low knocking sound when disturbed.
The juveniles look like a completely different species. They are deep navy blue, decorated with concentric white and electric-blue rings that spiral towards the tail. The transformation into adult colours happens gradually, and spotting a fish halfway through the change is a real treat.
The emperor angelfish lives across the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Great Barrier Reef, and it is at home around Lombok and the Gilis. Juveniles stay hidden in crevices and sheltered reef areas, while adults patrol reef slopes, ledges and overhangs, usually alone or in pairs. Look for them near caves and coral heads, and keep your distance: they are curious but easily startled.
With snorkelling gear lent by The Gili Beach Resort and Halik Reef right in front of the beach, your first sighting may be only a few fin kicks away.
Choose your dates
Enter your dates to see which villas are free and what they cost. You book directly with us.
Ask us a question