Clarion Angelfish: A Rare Splash of Orange

The clarion angelfish wears an even, warm orange-brown — and it's one of the most prized angelfish in the world. Tied to remote offshore islands, it's rarer than its cousins, so every sighting feels special. Here's what to know about this beauty, plus five fun facts.

Clarion Angelfish · Holacanthus clarionensis

How to spot the clarion angelfish near Jacó

Look for a warm orange angelfish among the rocky reef. Unlike the boldly barred king angelfish, the clarion wears a smoother, all-over orange tone. It's an uncommon fish, so if you spot one, take a good long look — it's a lucky day.

5 fun facts about the clarion angelfish

• Named for Clarión Island. It's tied to the remote Revillagigedo Islands off Mexico, which is part of what makes it so uncommon.
• One of the most prized angelfish in the world. Its rarity and warm color make it a true standout — a sighting divers and snorkelers remember.
• A known cleaner. Young clarions clean parasites off visiting fish, including the giant manta rays that gather at the offshore islands.
• A naturally limited range. It lives in only a small pocket of the Eastern Pacific, so every one you see is genuinely noteworthy.
• Warm all over. Where the king angelfish is boldly barred, the clarion is an even, warm orange-brown from nose to tail.

The clarion angelfish is just one of many characters down there. See the whole cast in our Snorkel Jaco fish directory, or read real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.