Blueface Angelfish

Additional names

Yellowface, Yellowmask Angelfish, Yellowface Angelfish, Blue-Faced Angelfish

Additional scientific names

Euxiphipops xanthometopon, Holacanthus xanthometopon

Sexing

It is very difficult to visually sex this fish and it is not bred in captivity.

Tank compatibility

It is best to keep only one Angelfish to a tank, these fish become quite territorial as they grow. This Angel is also not reef safe as it will nip at coral and clam mantles. Should be kept with similar-sized robust fish only.

Diet

The diet should consist of spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.

Feeding regime

Feed two to three times a day.

Environment Specifics

This fish requires a large and mature tank over 378.5 Litres (100 US G.). It requires a substantial amount of secure live rock with hiding places and grazing opportunities.

Behaviour

A large-growing Angelfish that will graze live rock for algae. It is known to be territorial if its the largest fish in the tank.

Identification

As a juvenile, the body is covered with alternating vertical stripes of black, white, and sapphire blue. Upon growing to approximately 12.7cm (5"), the juvenile begins to morph into its adult colouration 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.