Blueface Angelfish (Adult)

Also known as the Yellowface Angelfish

The Blueface Angelfish is a magnificent and highly sought-after large angelfish native to the Indo-Pacific region. Adults display spectacular coloration with intricate blue and yellow facial markings, a vibrant yellow body adorned with blue scale edges, and a yellow tail with blue accents. This striking species is prized for its bold personality and dramatic appearance, making it a prestigious centerpiece fish for large marine aquariums.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pomacanthus xanthometapon
• Common Names: Blueface Angelfish, Yellowface Angelfish, Yellowmask Angelfish
• Adult Size: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial once established
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – will consume corals and sessile invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 220 gallons (300+ gallons ideal for adult specimens)
• Experience Level: Advanced – requires large tank, stable conditions, and varied diet

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reef slopes at depths of 15–80 feet throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Maldives to Vanuatu. Inhabits caves and ledges, typically as solitary individuals or in pairs. Juveniles are often found in more protected lagoon environments.

Tank Environment:

• Extensive live rock structure with large caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs
• Ample open swimming space in the center of the aquarium
• Multiple territories and visual barriers for large tank communities
• Mature, well-established system (6+ months minimum)
• Strong, varied water flow with some calmer areas
• Robust aquascaping that can withstand large fish activity

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm (lower is better)
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm

Essential Equipment:

• High-capacity protein skimmer rated for heavy bioload
• UV sterilizer (strongly recommended for parasite prevention)
• Robust biological and mechanical filtration
• Powerful water circulation system
• Consistent water change schedule (15–20% biweekly minimum for large specimens)
• Sump system recommended for equipment and water volume

Diet & Feeding

Blueface Angelfish are omnivores requiring a diverse diet rich in both meaty foods and marine algae. In the wild, they feed heavily on sponges, tunicates, and algae.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, chopped squid, clams, scallops, marine fish flesh, prawns
• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality large angelfish pellets, spirulina-enriched formulas, color-enhancing foods
• Plant Matter: Nori sheets, spirulina, marine macro algae (essential component – 30–40% of diet)
• Specialty Foods: Sponge-based frozen preparations, angelfish formula blends containing natural sponge material
• Fresh Foods: Occasional fresh seafood (marine sources only)
• Prepared Mixes: Angelfish-specific blends, marine cuisine, plankton preparations
• Supplements: Vitamin C-enriched foods, garlic supplements for immune support, astaxanthin for color

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times daily in substantial portions (large fish with high metabolism)
• Provide variety to prevent nutritional deficiencies
• Clip nori sheets to tank glass for grazing throughout the day
• Include sponge-based foods regularly (mimics natural diet)
• Ensure all food types are adequately sized for large mouth

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward other angelfish
• Bold and confident once acclimated
• Generally peaceful toward non-angelfish species
• May become more assertive as it grows larger
• Establishes and defends territory within aquarium
• Can be intimidating to smaller, timid fish due to size

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Large tangs, triggerfish (non-aggressive species), large wrasses, groupers, snappers, lionfish, eels, pufferfish, large butterflyfish
• Caution with: Other large angelfish (only in tanks 400+ gallons), smaller peaceful fish may be intimidated
• Avoid: Other Pomacanthus angelfish in tanks under 400 gallons, dwarf angelfish, very small fish, extremely aggressive triggers or large puffers

Reef Compatibility:

• Not reef-safe: Will consume most corals with enthusiasm
• Eats SPS, LPS, and soft corals
• Consumes zoanthids, palythoas, and mushroom corals
• Will pick at and damage clam mantles
• May eat anemones and other sessile invertebrates
• Highly destructive to coral polyps and tissue
• Strictly for FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) systems

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:

1. Extended drip acclimation over 2–3 hours minimum
2. Dim tank lights for first 48 hours
3. Minimize traffic and disturbances around aquarium for first week
4. Provide large caves for initial security
5. May take 1–3 days to begin feeding confidently
6. Introduce to stable, mature aquarium only

Health Considerations:

• Highly susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum)
• Prone to lateral line erosion (HLLE) if water quality deteriorates or diet is inadequate
• Sensitive to poor water quality and high nitrates
• Can be stressed by aggressive tankmates
• Quarantine for 6–8 weeks minimum before adding to display tank (essential)
• UV sterilization significantly reduces parasite risk
• Large specimens produce heavy bioload requiring excellent filtration

Signs of a Healthy Specimen:

• Active, confident swimming throughout aquarium
• Bold, interactive behavior
• Vibrant yellow and blue coloration with clear facial patterns
• Clear, bright eyes
• Full-bodied appearance with good weight
• Eager, aggressive feeding response
• Smooth, intact fins
• No visible parasites, spots, lesions, or pitting on head/lateral line
• Even breathing without rapid gill movement

Color & Development

Juvenile Coloration: Juveniles display dramatically different appearance from adults:

• Dark blue to black body
• Vertical white and blue curved stripes (similar to other Pomacanthus juveniles)
• Resembles Semicircle, Koran, and Emperor Angel juveniles
• No yellow coloration present
• This pattern provides camouflage in nature

Adult Coloration: Full adult coloration develops by 6–8 inches and features:

• Face: Intricate pattern with bright yellow mask bordered by blue lines creating a reticulated “maze” pattern (most distinctive feature)
• Body: Vibrant yellow background with each scale edged in blue, creating a stunning scalloped pattern
• Tail: Yellow with blue to purple accents and edges
• Dorsal/Anal Fins: Yellow with blue margins and intricate patterning
• Pectoral Fins: Yellow
• Overall appearance is bold, colorful, and unmistakable

Color Variations:

• Facial pattern intensity varies between individuals
• Some specimens show more blue vs. yellow in face
• Body yellow can range from pale to deep golden
• Quality diet and water conditions affect color vibrancy

Color Maintenance:

• Requires varied diet with carotenoids and spirulina
• Pristine water quality essential for vibrant colors
• Adequate lighting brings out yellow tones
• Stress causes color fading

Special Considerations

Size Planning: Blueface Angels grow large and require substantial space:

• Juveniles (3–4 inches) can start in 125+ gallons temporarily
• Subadults (5–8 inches) need 180+ gallons minimum
• Adults (10+ inches) require 220–300+ gallons
• Do not purchase for undersized tanks with plans to “upgrade later”
• Stunted growth and health issues result from inadequate space

Growth Rate:

• Moderate to fast growth with proper feeding
• Can reach 8–10 inches within 2–3 years
• Full adult size achieved in 4–6 years
• Growth rate affected by tank size, diet, and water quality

Personality Development:

• Often become quite interactive with owners
• May recognize feeding time and approach glass
• Can become hand-tame with patience
• Individual personalities vary significantly
• Some specimens are shy, others very bold

Longevity Commitment: With lifespans exceeding 20 years, Blueface Angels represent a serious long-term commitment requiring:

• Consistent high-quality care
• Large aquarium maintenance
• Substantial feeding costs
• Stable home environment for decades

Collection Considerations:

• Most specimens are wild-caught
• Quality varies by collection location and handling
• Indonesia and Philippines are primary sources
• Australian specimens command premium prices but are exceptionally hardy
• Always verify proper collection and export documentation

Pairing:

• Pairs can be kept in very large aquariums (300+ gallons)
• Introduce simultaneously for best results
• Provide multiple large territories
• Monitor closely for aggression during pairing period
• Not all specimens will pair successfully

Breeding in Aquariums

Spawning Behavior:

• Extremely rare in home aquariums
• Requires very large system and established pair
• Spawning occurs at dusk
• Eggs are pelagic (broadcast spawned)
• No parental care provided
• Larval rearing not practical for hobbyists (requires specialized facilities)

Quarantine Protocol

Why Quarantine is Critical: Blueface Angelfish are highly susceptible to parasitic infections and stress-related diseases. Their large size, high cost, and parasite sensitivity make quarantine absolutely essential for long-term success.

Our Quarantine Process:

• Observation Period: 6–8 weeks minimum (longer for large, expensive specimens)
• Parasite Prevention: Comprehensive prophylactic treatment for marine ich, velvet, flukes, and internal parasites
• Dietary Conditioning: Training to accept varied prepared foods including essential sponge-based and plant matter
• Stress Reduction: Low-traffic, stable environment for recovery from collection and shipping
• HLLE Prevention: High-quality diet and pristine water to prevent lateral line disease
• Behavioral Assessment: Observation of temperament and feeding habits
• Health Monitoring: Daily observation of activity, feeding response, body condition, and any disease signs
• Acclimation Training: Gradual adjustment to standard aquarium parameters
• Weight Maintenance: Ensuring robust body condition with multiple daily feedings

Why Choose a Quarantined Blueface Angelfish?

Our extended quarantine process makes sure your fish is free of parasites, eating a variety of foods including sponge and herbivore diets, and has recovered from the stress of collection and shipping. During this time, we watch for signs of health issues like head and lateral line erosion. Starting with a healthy, well-conditioned fish greatly increases your chances of success, helping your fish live happily in your aquarium for 20+ years.