Common name: Ballina angelfish

Scientific name: Chaetodontoplus ballinae Whitley, 1959

General information

The Ballina Angelfish, Chaetodontoplus ballinae, is a rare and striking species of marine angelfish. It is highly prized among aquarists for its unique beauty and is considered one of the 'holy grails' in the hobby. This species is distinguished by its deep blue to purple body coloration, accented with a vibrant yellow tail. The Ballina Angelfish is a member of the Pomacanthidae family and is endemic to a small range in the Western Pacific, primarily around the Coral Sea.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
25 cm (10″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Omnivore Prefers varied diet including mysis.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals and clams.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be territorial with others.
Captive bred
No

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
    Chaetodontoplus
  7. Species
    Ballina angelfish
    Chaetodontoplus ballinae Whitley, 1959

Care

Due to its rarity and specific needs, the Ballina Angelfish is recommended for advanced aquarists. It requires a large, well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species is known to be shy and may take some time to acclimate to a new environment. A varied diet of marine sponges, algae, and high-quality angelfish preparations is essential to maintain its health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Ballina Angelfish are believed to be pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. However, breeding in captivity is extremely rare and not well-documented due to the scarcity of this species in the aquarium trade.

Habitat

The Ballina Angelfish is found in deep reef environments, typically between 50 to 150 meters. It prefers steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs, which makes it a challenging species to collect for the aquarium trade. Its natural habitat is characterized by clear waters with strong currents, which should be replicated in the home aquarium for the best care of this species.