Blue-faced Angel (Pomacanthus xanthometopon) Care Guide
Pomacanthus xanthometopon, the yellowface angelfish, is a large Indo-Pacific angel that feeds on sponges and tunicates and is not reef-safe.
Overview
Pomacanthus xanthometopon, the yellowface or blue-faced angelfish, is a large marine angel of the family Pomacanthidae. FishBase records a maximum length of about 38.0 cm and describes it as typically solitary in coral-rich habitats.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Pomacanthus
- Scientific name: Pomacanthus xanthometopon
Habitat
FishBase reports an Indo-Pacific range from the Maldives to Vanuatu, north to the Yaeyama Islands, plus Palau and Kosrae in Micronesia. It is marine, reef-associated and non-migratory, inhabiting coral-rich areas of lagoons, channels and outer reef slopes, often near caves, at depths of about 5-30 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1000 L (264 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (carbonate hardness): 8-12
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
Diet
FishBase reports that the species feeds on sponges and other encrusting organisms and tunicates. In aquaria it requires a varied diet including sponge-based angelfish preparations alongside marine algae and meaty foods, offered in frequent feedings.
Compatibility
This is a large, semi-aggressive angel best housed in spacious systems. Suitable companions include tangs in large tanks, triggers and large wrasses, while smaller or timid fish may be intimidated.
Reef compatibility
Because it feeds on sponges and tunicates, this species is not considered reef-safe and may damage soft corals, LPS corals, sponges and tunicates. It is best kept in fish-only systems. Maintain specific gravity around 1.024-1.026 and carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009), as reported by FishBase.