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Blue-faced AngelfishBlue-Face Angelfish, Yellow-faced Angelfish, Yellow Mask AngelfishFamily: PomacanthidaeAngelfishwMA_Ap8SA.jpg) Pomacanthus xanthometoponPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Greg RothschildLatest Reader Comment - See More they r pretty. Anonymous The Blue-faced Angelfish, though not so pugnacious, is definitely one of the most beautiful angelfish!Blue-faced Angelfish Contents The Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish, Pomacanthus xanthometopon , is a gorgeous, dynamically colored fish. Its scales are a bright blue, its dorsal fin is yellow, and there is a blue dot near the tail fin. Then depending on where it's from, the brightly colored areas and the tail fin can be yellow or orange, but not mixed. All in all this is a highly color contrasted beauty, and a prize showpiece for an experienced aquarist. Being less adaptive than others in its genus, the Bluefaced Angelfish is a rather hard fish to keep. Like others in the Pomacanthidae family, it grows into a spectacular and colorful adult of up to 15”. It will need a very large tank to reach its full grown size and bright coloration. Some say 135 gallons, but a Yellowfaced Angelfish really needs at least 225 to 275 gallons (852 to 1041 l). These angelfish are more prone to stress than other fish of the same size when not provided with a large amount of swimming room. This results in stress, lack of proper adult coloration and shorter life span. It is suggested that you buy a specimen that is under 8” as larger angelfish have a harder time adjusting and the mortality rate is higher. Make sure the tank is at least 6 months old, but with plenty of live rock for it to graze on. Their shy nature means they do need to have several hiding areas to feel secure, so provide rocks with cave type formations as places of refuge and comfort. Although the Bluefaced Angelfish is not as contentious as other Pomacanthus, it is still not the shyest of fish. It will not get along with other angelfish and it will go after smaller peaceful fish like blennies, clownfish, etc. Adding the Blueface last is the best choice. The Bluefaced Angelfish is not considered reef safe. They will snack on zoanthids, clams, LPS, and some soft corals. Even SPS are not always safe from these coral carnivores. Some say to make sure they are well fed, then they will not bother corals. This may be true as juveniles, but not adults, the need for excellent water quality when keeping corals, denies overfeeding. For more Information on keeping saltwater fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Bluefaced Angelfish Pomacanthus xanthometopon is also known as the Yellowfaced Angelfish and Yellow Mask Angelfish. It is from the Pomacanthidae family, and was first described by Bleeker in 1853. It is found in the Indo Pacific Ocean from Maldives to Vanuatu then northward to the Yaeyama Islands and it is also found in Palau and Krosae in Micronesia. It is on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern (LC), with a stable population.
The Bluefaced Angel is solitary as a juvenile, and as an adult is generally singly or sometimes as pairs. As a juvenile it will inhabit very shallow inshore caves where algae is growing. Adults love the dense reefs in lagoons, channels and outer reef slopes, and are especially fond of caves in those areas. When upset, adults will make a grunting sound. The depths they are found at is 16 to 146 feet (5 to 45 m). Sponges and other encrusting animals are their preferred fare.
In the wild they will hybridize with the Sixbar Angelfish or Sixbanded Angelfish Pomacanthus sexstriatus and with the Blue-girdled Angelfish or Majestic Angelfish Pomacanthus navarchus . As of yet, breeding in captivity is not possible and tank raising these angels has not been successful.
- Scientific Name: Pomacanthus xanthometopon
- Social Grouping: Solitary - At times found in pairs
- IUCN Red List: LC - Least Concern - Stable population
The adult Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish has scales that are bright blue, outlined in yellow. The dorsal fin is yellow with a blue dot near the tail fin. Depending on the location where it is found, colored areas of the fish are yellow or orange, but not mixed. The tail fin is either orange or yellow, also depending on origin.
The anal and pelvic fin are clearish yellow with a bright blue outline on the lower part of each fin. The pectoral fin is either orange or yellow with blue outlining the top and this color moves into the chest area and also outlines the eyes. The face is also bright blue, and starts at the mouth, or the front of the fish, and continues to just in front of the gills. The bright blue starts just above the eyes and then down to the chin.
The juvenile looks an awful lot like the Arabian Angelfish or Asfur Angelfish Pomacanthus asfur , but there are several differences. Both have bright blue, black, light blue and white stripes, but the Blueface differs in that its stripes seem to extend into the fins. Whereas the Asfur’s stripes seems to stop at the base of the body, before the fins start.
Angelfish(juv)WMA_Ap15AD_med.jpg)
Blue-faced Angelfish (juvenile)
Photo © Animal-World:
Courtesy Hiroyuki Tanak
Striping into the tail fin can be seen on the Blueface but is absent with the Asfur Angelfish, and the Asfur's tail also has yellow at the base. Another difference is that the Blueface juvenile’s white stripes are uniform and all curve backward where the Asfur juvenile’s white stripes can curve toward the front or back or can be straight and there are less of them. They begin to transform into their adult coloration at 2.7 to 4.7 inches (7 - 12 cm).
This large Pomacanthus can grow up to 15” (40 cm) in the wild, and will reach their full size in captivity if given ample room. They have been known to have a lifespan of over 21 years in captivity. Marine angelfishl have a general lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
- Maximum Size: 15.0 inches (38.10 cm)
- Lifespan: 21 years - Can live over 21 years in captivity.
The Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish is moderately hard to advanced in difficulty. Young specimens under 8 inches (20 cm) seem to adapt better to aquarium life than adults. Good water quality is needed along with a large tank to properly house this fish. If a tank of 225 gallons or more can be provided, then they would be considered moderately hardy as adults. This large aquarium size encourages lower stress levels because it provides adequate swimming room. These angels also do not do well amidst constant commotion. They will hide if they feel insecure or threatened, eventually getting ill and die.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy - Moderately Hardy with large tank. Obtain fish under 8" for best results.
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Bluefaced Angelfish are omnivores, in the wild eat a wide variety of sponges and other encrusting animals. It is important that you feed angelfish all kinds of live, frozen, and prepared formula foods. Feed vegetable based foods as well as meaty foods like chopped squid, scallop, and shrimp. Prepared foods with marine sponge is essential. A good formula that can be made at home consists of mussels, shrimp, squid, and spinach. Many foods offer color enhancing qualities, which are helpful. Feed 3 or more times a day.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes - With sponge material included, and color enhancing foods are also helpful.
- Tablet Pellet: Yes - They need sponge material in their prepared foods.
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet - Can be used to initiate feeding response, but only needed as a treat after acclimated.
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
In general, Pomacanthus angelfish are not as forgiving as some other fish when it comes to water quality, and the Bluefaced Angel is not as forgiving as some of the other Pomacanthus. Water quality must be high, almost similar to corals. Water changes of 30% a month, or 15% every 2 weeks is optimal in keeping nitrates lower. If there are corals in the tank, then 20% every month, 10% every 2 weeks or 5% a week works great. A larger tank is important for this large fish. Because it needs a lot of food, there is a large bio-load on the aquarium. A smaller tank will foul quickly.
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly - Water changes of 15% every 2 weeks, or 30% a month. If there are corals in the tank then 10% every 2 weeks, or 20% every month.
The Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish, like other large angels, need a stable and established tank which is at least 6 months old. A minimum size of at least 225 to 275 gallons (852 to 1041 l) is needed for an adult, 125 gallons (473 liters) is adequate for a juvenile. Provide water parameters of: 72-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025. It is best introduce as a young fish under 8”, and added last.
These angels enjoy large amounts of rock work to graze on and to hide in, so arrange them in a way that your angel can “hide” from what it deems threatening both inside the tank and outside, like heavy footsteps or other commotion around the tank. Proper tank size is needed for the Bluefaced Angelfish to obtain proper color and size.
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 gal (473 L) - 125 gallons (473 liters) is adequate for a juvenile. At least 225 to 275 gallons (852 to 1041 l) is needed for an adult.
- Suitable for Nano Tank: No
- Live Rock Requirement: Typical Plus Hiding Places
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Any - It is best kept under normal lighting, but can also be kept in sunlight conditions or in a dimly lit tank.
- Temperature: 72.0 - 82.0° F (22.2 - 27.8° C)
- Specific gravity: 1.023-1.025 SG
- Range ph: 8.1-8.4 - A ph of 8.0 or lower will cause health problems.
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate - They can tolerate a rather stronger flow but slow-moving water is preferable.
- Water Region: All - They will spend time in all parts of the aquarium.
The Bluefaced Angelfish, though semi-aggressive, is rather shy when first introduced to the aquarium. But as it becomes more comfortable it will become bolder. It is less aggressive than other Pomacanthus but will harass smaller fish like gobies, clownfish and blennies and more peaceful tankmates if the aquarium is cramped. It cannot be kept with its same species and may harrass other smaller angelfish. It will not tolerate other angelfish and will become aggressive in the presence of another angelfish. It should be the last fish you introduce into the tank due to their territorial disposition.
As juveniles In a reef environment they may be fine, but adults have a tendency to pick at many corals and other invertebrates. They will eat at Large Polyp Stony Corals (LPS), most soft corals, Zoanthids, and Tridacnid clams. Use caution with Small Polyp Stony Corals (SPS), even SPS corals are not always safe from these coral carnivores. They may be a threat to small decorative shrimp as well.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Same species - conspecifics: Sometimes - Can be kept as mated male/female pair in very large tank.
- Peaceful fish (gobies, dartfish, assessors, fairy wrasses): Threat - Blueface Angelfish will chase and pester these fish too much.
- Semi-Aggressive (anthias, clownfish, dwarf angels): Monitor - Blueface Angelfish will chase and pester these fish.
- Aggressive (dottybacks, 6-line & 8-line wrasse, damselfish): Safe
- Large Semi-Aggressive (tangs, large angels, large wrasses): Safe
- Large Aggressive, Predatory (lionfish, groupers, soapfish): Safe
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters (seahorses, pipefish, mandarins): Threat
- Anemones: Threat
- Mushroom Anemones - Corallimorphs: Threat
- LPS corals: Threat
- SPS corals: Monitor - Depending on the individual, may or may not bother small polyp stony corals (SPS).
- Gorgonians, Sea Fans: Monitor
- Leather Corals: Monitor - Usually safe with leathers and sinularia corals.
- Soft Corals (xenias, tree corals): Threat - They can be kept with some like Sinularia, Cladiella, Lemnalia, and Litophoton.
- Star Polyps, Organ Pipe Coral: Threat
- Zoanthids - Button Polyps, Sea Mats: Threat
- Sponges, Tunicates: Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe
- Starfish: Threat
- Feather Dusters, Bristle Worms, Flatworms: Threat
- Clams, Scallops, Oysters: Threat
- Copepods, Amphipods, Mini Brittle Stars: Safe
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: May be aggressive
Sexual differences are unknown.
As of yet, breeding the Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish in captivity is not possible and tank raising these angels has not been successful.
Similar to other Pomacanthus, the Blueface will spawn at dusk. The male Blueface Angelfish will swim around the female quickly, in a circular pattern, then will swim above her. Eventually, she will feel compelled to swim toward him, and he will then nuzzle her belly with his nose to trigger her to lay her eggs. At the time she releases the eggs, he releases his sperm and these newly fertilized eggs will float in a planktonic stage for a few weeks before turning into fry, and then into the juvenile stage..
See Breeding Marine Fish for more on how they reproduce in the wild.
- Ease of Breeding: Difficult
Providing an angelfish with clean water, a proper decor with places to hide, and regular feeding is the best way to prevent illness. Calm angelfish are healthy fish. If not stressed, they will have a stronger immune system to prevent infections. Still saltwater angelfish can suffer any disease that captive saltwater environments have to offer.
Bluefaced Angelfish, like other saltwater angelfish, are prone to any disease that captive saltwater environments have to offer. Stress due to various reasons will cause illness, like inappropriate housing or tank mates to commotion outside the tank, will make the fish ill. Saltwater Ich or White Spot Disease (Crypt) is the most common of disease, and is generally associated with marine tangs and angelfish.
Symptoms of Marine Ich or White Spot Disease (Crypt) are constant scratching, culminating with lots of white dots. These dots disappear for a few days, only to return with double the number. This results in the fish suffocating from these parasites blocking the gills from providing oxygen. One suggestion is putting your tank just at least 82°F (28°C) since that will prevent the parasite from completing its life cycle, which includes the attachment to fish. Several preparations are also available for this parasite.
Seachem has awesome products for treating Marine Ick, Focus and Metronidazole. The Focus (bonding agent) is mixed 5 to 1 with their Metronidazole (one part Metro to 5 parts Focus). This combo is mixed with 1 Tablespoon of food and can be fed to the fish 3 times a day until symptoms are gone. This can be used in a reef aquarium since the medication is bound to the food. In combination, the higher temperature along with the food/medication combo, will provide timely relief.
Diseases that saltwater angelfish are susceptible to:
- Marine Ich (white spot disease)
- Marine Velvet
- Lymphocystis (a viral infection)
- HLLD or HLLE (ateral line disease and fin erosion)
The Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish is moderately easy to find online and in stores, but rather expensive.
- Animal-World References: Marine and Reef
- Pomacanthus xanthometopon Yellowface angelfish, Fishbase
- Pomacanthus xanthometopon, IUNC Red List, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
- Helmut Debelius and Rudie H. Kuiter, World Atlas of Marine Fishes, (in German) Hollywood Import & Export, Inc., 2006
- Scott W. Michael, Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes: Reef Fishes Series , Microcosm Ltd, 2004
- Scott W. Michael, Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species, T.F.H Publications inc., 1999
- Mark Allen, Roger Steene and Gerald R. Allen, A Guide to Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes , Odyssey Publishing, 1998
- Dr. Gerald R. Allen, Butterfly and Angelfishes of the World Volume 2, Aquarium Systems; 3rd edition,1985
- Jim McDavid, Large Angels in the Home Aquariums, Part 1, Advanced Aquarist, Copyright 2003
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