Common name: Yellowtail angelfish
General information
The Blue-faced Angelfish, scientifically known as Chaetodontoplus personifer, is a stunning marine fish that adds a splash of color and personality to any saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking blue face, which contrasts beautifully with its yellow to silver body. Mature individuals also develop a distinctive hump on their forehead, adding to their unique appearance.
Native to the waters of Western Australia, the Blue-faced Angelfish is a prized specimen among aquarists due to its vivid coloration and regal presence. It's important to note that this species can grow quite large, reaching up to 38 centimeters (15 inches) in length, and therefore requires a spacious tank to thrive.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 400 liter (110 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 28 cm (11″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs varied diet & hiding places.
- Diet
- Omnivore Mysis, brine shrimp, and algae.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at LPS/soft corals.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tank mates.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishChaetodontoplus
- SpeciesYellowtail angelfishChaetodontoplus personifer (McCulloch, 1914)
- SynonymsHolacanthus personifer McCulloch, 1914
Care
Caring for the Blue-faced Angelfish requires attention to detail, as they are sensitive to water quality and need a varied diet. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. A diet rich in marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health.
Due to their size and territorial nature, they are best suited for larger aquariums where they can establish their own territory. It's also advisable to introduce them last into the aquarium to minimize aggression towards other tank mates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blue-faced Angelfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. While breeding them in captivity is challenging, it is not impossible for experienced aquarists with the right setup and conditions.
Habitat
The Blue-faced Angelfish is found in the coral reefs and rocky outcrops of Western Australia, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. They prefer areas with abundant coral growth and clear waters where they can forage for sponges, tunicates, and algae.