Common name: Scribbled angelfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishChaetodontoplus
- SpeciesScribbled angelfishChaetodontoplus duboulayi (Günther, 1867)
- SynonymsHolacanthus darwiniensis Saville-Kent, 1889Holacanthus duboulayi Günther, 1867Holacanthus 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.