Common name: Bluestriped angelfish
General information
The Blue-spotted Angelfish, scientifically known as Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis, is a captivating marine fish that adds both beauty and intrigue to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking blue spots and elegant swimming behavior. It is a member of the Pomacanthidae family, which is renowned for its colorful and ornate angelfish.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 25 cm (10″)
- 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
- Yes Rarely bred in captivity
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishChaetodontoplus
- SpeciesBluestriped angelfishChaetodontoplus septentrionalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
- SynonymsHolacanthus ronin Jordan & Fowler, 1902Holacanthus septentrionalis Temminck & Schlegel, 1844
Care
Caring for the Blue-spotted Angelfish requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species can grow up to 18 centimeters (7 inches) in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate its size and swimming needs. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including algae, sponges, and meaty foods. It's important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition and health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Blue-spotted Angelfish are known to 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 with optimal conditions and a well-matched pair, spawning behavior may be observed.
Habitat
The Blue-spotted Angelfish is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly around Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. They are typically found in subtropical reef environments, often in areas with strong currents and rich coral growth. In the wild, they are usually seen at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet).