Quick Facts
Distribution
![Yellowtail Angelfish Distribution Australia](https://marinewise.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Australia-Fish-Distribution-10.png)
Interesting Info
- The Yellowtail Angelfish from western Australia is a semi-aggressive fish that generally lives a solitary life, but can be found in pairs or small harems. They are typically found in depths up to 40m (131 ft).
- Yellowtail Angelfish like other angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), have a sharp spine at the base of each gill cover (handle with care).
- These fish are omnivores and primarily feed on sponges, tunicates and crustaceans.
- Estimates of lifespan between 10 and 15 years.
- They are the largest of its genus growing up to 35 cm (14 in).
- The main predators of angelfish include sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.
Species Interaction
Aquarium & Reef
The Yellowtail Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus personifer) is endemic to western & northern Australia and often confused with the Queensland Yellowtail Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus meridithi). They are “sister species” and the distinguishing feature between the two is an all yellow tail in the QLD Yellowtail’s versus a black bar through the tail of personifer angelfish.
As it is endemic to Australia, it has a small range across western and northern Australia, being found as far south as Perth.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Pomacanthidae
Genus: Chaetodontoplus
Species: Chaetodontoplus personifer
Conservation Status
Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Yellowtail Angelfish is currently categorised as “Least Concern”(LC).
LC is the lowest category on the scale for risk with “Extinct”(EX) being the highest.
Fish Taste Quality
Yellowtail Angelfish are a edible fish but are not a targeted species for consumption.
Taste Rating: 0/5
How to catch
Yellowtail Angelfish
Catch Difficulty: Easy
Bait: Prawns, Sponge, Weed
Popularity: Not targeted
Yellowtail Angelfish
As Aquarium Fish
Care Level: Moderate to difficult
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: No
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Recreational Viewing
- Snorkeling & Scuba
Finding: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Danger: None