1. Camouflage: Their coloration and body shape can blend in with their surroundings, making them harder to spot. Some species even have stripes that break up their outline, making them appear less distinct.
2. Agility: Angelfish are very agile swimmers, capable of quick bursts of speed and sharp turns. This helps them avoid attacks by darting away quickly.
3. Defensive Spines: Some angelfish species have spines on their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. These spines can deter predators by causing pain and injury.
4. Schooling: Angelfish often live in schools, which increases their vigilance and makes it harder for predators to isolate and attack individual fish.
5. Territoriality: Some angelfish species are territorial and defend their territory from intruders, including predators.
6. Chemical Defenses: Some angelfish species produce toxins or other chemicals that are distasteful or harmful to predators.
7. Mimicry: Some angelfish species mimic the appearance or behavior of poisonous or venomous fish, deterring predators who recognize the mimicry.
8. Eye Spots: Some angelfish species have false eye spots on their tails or bodies. Predators may be confused or intimidated by these false eyes, giving the angelfish time to escape.
9. Speed: Angelfish are relatively fast swimmers, which can help them escape predators in the open.
10. Hiding: Angelfish are masters of camouflage and can often blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to find. They may also hide in crevices or amongst coral.
It's important to note that these adaptations are not foolproof. Angelfish are still preyed upon by a variety of predators, including sharks, barracuda, and moray eels. However, their combination of defenses gives them a good chance of survival.