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Blueface Angelfish

Blueface Angelfish

Pomacanthus Xanthometopon

Quick Facts

Scientific name Pomacanthus Xanthometopon

Other names Bluefaced Angelfish, Yellow-faced Angelfish, Yellowmask Angelfish

Size Up to 38 cm (15 in)

Weight Up to 1 kg (2.2 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Clear lagoons, reefs, and surge channels.

Depth Range

Blueface Angelfish Distribution Australia

Interesting Info

The Blueface Angelfish are a semi-aggressive fish and are generally solitary but can be found in pairs. Young fish stay in the shallows whilst adults can be found in up to 25 m (82 ft).
Blueface Angelfish like many other Angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm towards the top of the water column or surface at dusk. The fertilised eggs then float with the current and eventually settle on the bottom.
Juveniles are very different to adults, with dark blue and black colours highlighted by light blue and white lines. The change in juvenile colours to adults starts when the fish reach the length of 7 to 12 cm (2.8 to 4.7 in).
These fish are omnivores and primarily feed on algae and sponges, but also eat small invertebrates, zooplankton and plants.
Estimates on lifespan have them reaching up to 21 years of age.
The main predators of angelfish include sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.

Species Interaction

Aquarium & Reef

The Blueface Angelfish also known as the Yellowfaced Angelfish is a popular reef species known for its unique facial features that resemble a mask. Juvenile fish typically stay in the shallows of inner reefs and lagoons whilst adults can be found on the outer reef in caves or crevices.

The fish has a large range across the eastern part of the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean, Maldives, Australia and as far north as Japan and Taiwan.