Common name: old woman

General information

The Blueface Angelfish, also known as the Yellowface Angelfish, is a stunning marine species known for its vibrant colors and dynamic patterns. The juvenile stage of this fish features a dark blue body with white vertical stripes, while adults boast a mix of bright blue, yellow, and other hues across their body and face, giving them their common names.

This species is a member of the Pomacanthidae family and is appreciated for its beauty and personality in the aquarium trade. However, they require a spacious tank to accommodate their size and swimming habits.

Care

Blueface Angelfish require a large aquarium, with a minimum size of 220 gallons recommended to provide ample swimming space. They thrive in a well-established reef or fish-only setup with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. These angelfish are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including algae, sponges, and tunicates in the wild. In captivity, a balanced diet of marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, and meaty foods is essential for their health and coloration.

It's important to note that while they are generally reef-safe, they may nip at stony and soft corals, clams, and large-polyped stony corals when not well-fed or if they are not accustomed to captivity.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blueface Angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously in the water column. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved by hobbyists due to their large space requirements and complex lifecycle.

Habitat

Pomacanthus rhomboides is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Maldives to Japan, and down to Australia. They are typically found in coral-rich areas and clear lagoons, usually at depths of 5 to 25 meters. Their natural habitat includes a variety of reef structures which provide both food and shelter.