Common name: Yellowtail Angelfish

Scientific name: Apolemichthys xanthurus (Bennett, 1833)

General Information

The Yellowtail Angelfish, Apolemichthys xanthurus, is a striking addition to any marine aquarium. Known for its contrasting colors, this angelfish features a gray body with intricate black patterns and a vibrant yellow tail. Its beauty and relatively moderate care requirements make it a popular choice among marine aquarists.

Native to the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands, this species is occasionally found in the aquarium trade. Its striking appearance and unique coloration make it a sought-after specimen, although it is less commonly available than some other angelfish species.

Details

Estimated price
Moderate
Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
15 cm (6″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Omnivore Feeds on sponges, tunicates, and algae in the wild
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at soft corals and large polyp stony corals
Aggression
Semi aggresive
Captive bred
No
IUCN Red List
EX
EW
CR
EN
VU
NT
LC

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Angelfishes
    Pomacanthidae
  6. Genus
    Angelfish
    Apolemichthys
  7. Species
    Yellowtail Angelfish
    Apolemichthys xanthurus (Bennett, 1833)
  8. Synonyms
    Holacanthus xanthurus Bennett, 1833
    Pomacanthus xanthurus (Bennett, 1833)
  9. Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Care

The Yellowtail Angelfish is moderately easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists with some experience. It thrives in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. Providing a tank with stable water conditions and a variety of hiding spots will help this angelfish feel secure and reduce stress.

A minimum tank size of 300 liters is recommended to provide ample swimming space and territory. The tank should be equipped with efficient filtration and moderate water flow to replicate its natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, the Yellowtail Angelfish is an omnivore, feeding on sponges, tunicates, and algae. In captivity, it requires a varied diet to maintain health and coloration. Offer a mix of marine-based foods, including high-quality angelfish pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, and spirulina-enriched foods.

Feed two to three times daily, ensuring portions are small enough to be consumed within a few minutes. This helps maintain water quality and keeps the angelfish healthy.

Behavior and Compatibility

Yellowtail Angelfish are generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, especially in smaller tanks. They are best kept singly or in a large tank with other non-aggressive species. Caution should be taken when housing them with other angelfish, as they may become territorial.

These angelfish are not considered reef-safe, as they may nip at corals, particularly soft corals and large polyp stony corals.

Health and Common Issues

Yellowtail Angelfish can live up to 10 years with proper care. Maintaining stable water conditions and a balanced diet is crucial for their health. They are susceptible to common marine diseases such as ich and velvet, so regular monitoring and quarantine of new additions are recommended.

When selecting a Yellowtail Angelfish, choose individuals with vibrant colors and active behavior. Avoid fish with cloudy eyes or signs of stress, as these can indicate health issues.

Habitat

The Yellowtail Angelfish inhabits coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters. Its natural distribution includes the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands, where it prefers areas with abundant coral growth and rocky crevices for shelter.

Creating a similar environment in captivity with live rock and stable water parameters will help this angelfish thrive.