Common name: Vermiculated angelfish

Scientific name: Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus (Bloch, 1787)
A Vermiculated Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus)Vermiculated Angelfish in Raja Ampat
Singapore Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus), Palawan, Mimaropa, Sulu lake, Pacific Ocean, Philippines, AsiaChaetodontoplus Mesoleucus

General information

The Blue Girdled Angelfish, scientifically known as Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus, is a stunning marine fish that captivates aquarists with its vibrant colors and graceful swimming. It is characterized by its deep blue body, yellow tail, and the distinctive yellow to white band that runs along the flanks, giving it the 'girdled' appearance. This species is a member of the Pomacanthidae family, which is known for the small spine or 'preopercle spine' located on the gill cover.

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 to 8.4
Average size
23 cm (9″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods.
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
    Vermiculated angelfish
    Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus (Bloch, 1787)
  8. Synonyms
    Chaetodon mesoleucus Bloch, 1787
    Chaetodon mesomelas Gmelin, 1789
    Chaetodontoplus mesoleucos (Bloch, 1787)

Care

Caring for the Blue Girdled Angelfish requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their size and swimming behavior. This species is semi-aggressive and may show territorial behavior, especially towards other angelfish. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality prepared foods will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue Girdled Angelfish are oviparous, with pairs forming during breeding. They engage in a courtship dance before spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until hatching. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Blue Girdled Angelfish is found in coral-rich areas and clear lagoons, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters. They are often observed alone or in pairs, grazing on sponges and tunicates among the reefs.