Overview
- Native to the Western Pacific, commonly found in coastal reefs and lagoons with rocky structures.
- Characterized by its intricate blue scribbled patterns on a golden-yellow body, making it a visually stunning species.
- A relatively large and hardy angelfish that can adapt well to captivity with proper care.
- Often seen in pairs or solitary in the wild, displaying territorial behavior in some cases.
- Best suited for a well-maintained marine aquarium with plenty of rock structures for hiding and grazing.
Feeding
- Omnivorous, feeding on sponges, tunicates, and algae in the wild.
- Thrives on a diet including sponge-based angelfish preparations, frozen mysis shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets.
- Adapts well to prepared foods but benefits from a mix of live and frozen options.
- Multiple small meals per day help sustain its energy levels and digestion.
- A nutrient-rich diet enhances its coloration and overall immune health.
Habitat
- Prefers coastal reef environments with rocky formations and moderate water movement.
- Often found near reef edges and sheltered lagoon areas where food is abundant.
- Aquarium setups should include live rock for natural grazing and shelter.
- Requires stable water conditions and high-quality filtration for optimal health.
- Providing both shaded and open swimming areas mimics its natural environment.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C) to support overall well-being.
- Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
- Requires stable water conditions with frequent maintenance and water changes.
- Not considered reef-safe, as it may nip at corals, clams, and sessile invertebrates.
- Providing live rock enhances grazing opportunities and supports natural behavior.
Compatibility
- Generally peaceful but may display territorial behavior toward other angelfish.
- Compatible with tangs, larger wrasses, and other semi-aggressive marine species.
- Not ideal for reef aquariums due to its tendency to graze on coral polyps.
- Should be housed with similarly sized fish to prevent competition for food.
- Providing ample space and structured rock formations minimizes territorial disputes.
Aquarium Behavior
- An active swimmer that enjoys exploring its surroundings and interacting with tankmates.
- Frequently seen grazing on rock surfaces and picking at algae growth.
- May take time to acclimate but becomes more confident with proper care.
- Providing a complex rock structure encourages natural behaviors and promotes a sense of security.
- Over time, it may recognize its caretaker and become more interactive during feeding sessions.