Maculosus Angelfish (Red Sea)

Also known as the Yellowbar Angelfish, Map Angelfish, or Half-moon Angelfish

The Red Sea Maculosus Angelfish is a spectacular marine species prized for its striking transformation from juvenile to adult. Adults display a deep blue body with a prominent yellow-gold band across the midsection and intricate blue spotted patterns on the face, while juveniles exhibit vivid electric blue bodies with white vertical bars. Endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, this magnificent angelfish is a premium centerpiece for large marine aquariums.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pomacanthus maculosus
• Common Names: Maculosus Angelfish, Yellowbar Angelfish, Map Angelfish, Half-moon Angelfish, Blue Moon Angelfish
• Adult Size: Up to 16–20 inches
• Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; territorial and dominant
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef-safe – will consume corals, clams, anemones, and sessile invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons (minimum); 300–400+ gallons preferred for full-grown adults
• Experience Level: Advanced

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Requires extensive rockwork with large caves, overhangs, and substantial open swimming areas. The Maculosus is a powerful swimmer that needs both secure territories and space to patrol actively.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
  • dKH: 8–12
• Aquascape: Substantial live rock formations are essential for grazing, shelter, and territorial establishment. Rockwork must be stable and secure to accommodate this large, active fish.
• Compatibility: Should be the only large angelfish in the system. Can coexist with other large, semi-aggressive to aggressive fish such as tangs, large wrasses, triggers, groupers, and puffers. Avoid housing with other angels, overly passive species, or small fish. Best added as one of the final fish to reduce territorial disputes.

Diet & Feeding

Maculosus Angelfish are omnivores with voracious appetites requiring substantial, varied nutrition:

• Meaty Foods: Mysis shrimp, chopped clams, mussels, squid, scallops, krill, prawns, marine fish flesh, silversides
• Plant Matter: Marine algae, nori sheets, spirulina flakes, fresh blanched vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, spinach)
• Specialty Items: High-quality angelfish preparations containing sponge material (crucial for long-term health, vibrant coloration, and preventing nutritional deficiencies like HLLE)
• Commercial Foods: Large angelfish pellets, frozen angel and butterfly formulas
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in generous portions. Maculosus Angels have high metabolic demands and benefit from frequent, substantial feedings to maintain health and coloration.

Notes & Considerations

• Behavior: Adult Maculosus Angels are confident, bold, and often become the dominant presence in the aquarium. They display strong territorial instincts and may show aggression toward new additions, particularly during feeding times. Once established, they often recognize their keeper and beg actively for food.
• Red Sea Origin Advantages: Red Sea specimens are highly sought after and considered superior to their Arabian Gulf counterparts:
  • More vibrant, intense coloration with deeper blues and brighter yellow bars
  • Cleaner, more defined color transitions
  • Generally hardier and more adaptable to aquarium conditions
  • Better overall health and longevity
  • Premium pricing reflects their superior quality
• Juvenile vs. Adult Coloration: Juveniles display dramatically different coloration, electric blue bodies with bold white vertical stripes and a white tail. The transformation begins around 4–6 inches, with the characteristic yellow bar developing gradually. Full adult coloration is typically achieved between 8–12 inches.
• Coral Compatibility: Highly destructive to reef environments. Will readily consume soft corals, LPS, SPS, zoanthids, clam mantles, anemones, and ornamental invertebrates. Suitable only for fish-only or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) systems.
• Tank Size Critical: Inadequate space leads to stunted growth, aggression, health problems, and shortened lifespan. These are very large, active fish requiring substantial swimming room and mature, stable systems.
• Acclimation: Generally hardy once established in proper conditions. Perform careful drip acclimation and ensure pristine water quality during the introduction period. Red Sea specimens typically adapt well with proper acclimation.
• Gender: Sexual dimorphism is not externally visible. Maculosus Angels are protogynous hermaphrodites. Captive breeding is extremely rare and not commercially viable.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast growers when well-fed. Can reach 8–10 inches within 2–3 years in optimal conditions.
• Disease Susceptibility: Like all large angels, susceptible to HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion) if the diet lacks proper sponge material and varied nutrition. Maintain excellent water quality and provide a comprehensive diet.
• Personality: Highly intelligent and interactive. Many develop strong bonds with their keepers, displaying begging behaviors and recognizing feeding times. Can be trained to hand-feed.
• Longevity Investment: With proper care, these magnificent fish can live 15–20+ years, making them true long-term companions.

Why Choose a Red Sea Quarantined Maculosus Angelfish?

Our Red Sea Maculosus Angelfish represent the finest quality available in the hobby. Sourced exclusively from the Red Sea for superior coloration and hardiness, then thoroughly quarantined, disease-screened, and conditioned on premium foods, these specimens arrive healthy, parasite-free, and feeding vigorously. This extensive preparation ensures you receive a robust, show-quality angelfish displaying peak coloration, maximizing your investment in this magnificent species and providing the foundation for decades of enjoyment.