Blueface Angelfish, also known as Yellowface Angelfish or Pomacanthus xanthometopon, lives in the shallow parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
It has a very colorful face, which can be either blue or yellow.
These fish are usually found in areas with lots of coral, such as lagoons and outer reef slopes.
Younger blueface angelfish tend to live in caves near the shore where algae grow.
These fish enjoy living alone and eating things like sponges, tunicates, and other encrusting organisms.
Sometimes these fish are caught and sold for aquariums, but they should be kept in tanks only if their size is under 20 cm.
Blueface angelfish may not harm most reefs, but you should be cautious if you plan to keep them in a reef tank.
Blueface Angelfish Interesting Facts
- Blueface angelfish is a marine fish found in the shallow Indo-Pacific waters, and it belongs to the Pomacanthidae family.
- Also known as Yellowface angelfish, the blueface angelfish has a remarkable facial coloration that makes it stand out.
- This species typically lives in coral-rich areas of lagoons, channels, and outer reef slopes. Young blueface angelfishes prefer shallow caves with algae growth.
- Blueface angelfish under 20 cm are best suited for tank life.
- Reef enthusiasts should approach keeping this fish with caution.
Blueface Angelfish Habitat
The blueface angelfish lives in the Indo-Pacific area, which includes places like the Maldives, Vanuatu, the Yaeyama Islands, Palau, and Krosae in Micronesia.
These fish live in the ocean near coral reefs and don’t travel long distances.
They usually swim between 5 and 30 meters deep in warm, tropical waters.
Blueface angelfish can be found in specific areas between certain latitudes and longitudes: 25°N – 24°S and 72°E – 170°E.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Blueface Angelfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 15 inches (38.0 centimeters)
Blueface angelfish can grow up to 15 in (38.0 cm) long.
It has some unique features like 13 to 14 spines on its dorsal (top) fin and 16 to 18 soft rays on the same fin.
It also has 3 spines and 16 to 18 soft rays on its anal (bottom) fin.
This angelfish has a blue head with a yellow area around its eyes. Its body scales are blue with yellow edges, creating a network pattern.
The dorsal fin is yellow with a large black spot towards the back, and the tail fin is yellow too.
Blueface angelfish’s body is somewhat tall, with its depth being about 1.7 to 1.9 times smaller than its standard length.
It also has 46 to 52 rows of scales along its body.
Blueface Angelfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pomacanthidae |
| Genus: | Pomacanthus |
| Scientific Name: | Pomacanthus xanthometopon |
| Also Known As: | Yellowface Angelfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |