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Vermiculate Angelfish

Vermiculate Angelfish

Chaetodontoplus Mesoleucus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Chaetodontoplus Mesoleucus

Other names Singapore Angel, Vermiculated Angelfish, Red Sea Butterflyfish, Vermiculated Angelfish

Size Up to 18 cm (7 in)

Weight Under a kilo (2.2lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Inner/Outer reefs with rich coral growth

Depth Range

Vermiculate Angelfish Distribution Australia

Interesting Info

The Vermiculate Angelfish is a semi-aggressive fish that generally live in pairs or one male to two females – juveniles are solitary. They are typically found in depths between 3 m to 20m (10 ft to 65 ft).
Vermiculate Angelfish are often mistaken for butterfly fish because of its flat appearance and colours. It is even called the Red Sea Butterflyfish in certain areas.
These fish are omnivores but primarily feed on algae and weed but also on sponges, tunicates, and sea squirts.
Estimates of lifespan is around 10 years.
The main predators of angelfish include sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.

Species Interaction

Aquarium & Reef

The Vermiculate Angelfish is a popular reef species often mistaken for a butterflyfish. They get their name from the patterning of wavy/winding lines across their body and fins. The main colours of the fish consist of white, black, grey, yellow and blue lips. A standout feature is the black band or line that that runs vertical through their eye.

The fish has a large range throughout the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, parts of Southern Japan and down to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.