Common name: Scribbled angelfish

Scientific name: Chaetodontoplus duboulayi (Günther, 1867)
Scribbled angelfish (Chaetodontoplus duboulayi).Scribbled Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus duboulayi) from Australia
Flinders3TBlurry photo of a Scribbled angelfish Chaetodontoplus duboulayi in a sea aquarium

General information

The Scribbled Angelfish, scientifically known as Chaetodontoplus duboulayi, is a stunning marine fish known for its vibrant coloration and unique pattern. The body of this species is predominantly blue with a yellow-orange face and scribble-like white lines across its sides, giving it a distinctive appearance. This species is a member of the Pomacanthidae family, which includes other popular angelfish.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
22 cm (9″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, mysis.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at clam mantles.
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
    Scribbled angelfish
    Chaetodontoplus duboulayi (Günther, 1867)
  8. Synonyms
    Holacanthus darwiniensis Saville-Kent, 1889
    Holacanthus duboulayi Günther, 1867
    Holacanthus duboulayi longitudinaliterstriata Klunzinger, 1880

Care

Scribbled Angelfish are considered moderate to care for due to their specific dietary and tank requirements. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. A varied diet of marine sponges, algae, and meaty foods is essential for their health. It's important to note that they may nip at stony and soft corals, so they are best kept in fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setups.

Reproduction

In the wild, Scribbled Angelfish form harems consisting of one male and several females. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a spacious tank can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Native to the Western Pacific, Scribbled Angelfish are found in coral-rich areas and clear lagoons at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. They are commonly seen around Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Their natural habitat includes complex reef structures that provide both food sources and shelter from predators.