Blueface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon)

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus xanthometopon

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Care Level : Intermediate

Disposition : Semi-aggressive

Min. Tank Size : 100 gallons

Mature Size : 15 inches

Diet : Omnivore

Range : Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean

Referred to variously as the Blueface, Yellowface, or Yellowmask Angelfish, the adult and juvenile Blueface Angelfish differ markedly in coloration. As a juvenile, the body is covered with alternating vertical stripes of black, white, and sapphire blue.

Upon growing to approximately five inches, the juvenile begins to morph into its adult coloration of pale yellow with bluish scales and a bright-yellow pectoral fin. It has a mottled-blue face with yellow mask that extends from eye to eye but not much beyond each eye. There is also an eyespot at the caudal end of the dorsal fin.

A minimum of a 220 gallon tank with numerous hiding places and large amounts of live rock for grazing will offer a good environment. Not a good reef dweller, the Blueface Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles.

The Blueface Angelfish is best kept as the only angelfish, as it is prone to becoming territorial when it is the largest fish in the tank.

The diet should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. It should be fed at least three times daily.