Yellow Angelfish

Also known as the Three-Spot Angelfish or Velvet Angelfish

The Yellow Angelfish is a vibrant and eye-catching marine species renowned for its brilliant golden-yellow body adorned with distinctive blue accents and characteristic black spots. Native to the Western Pacific, including waters around Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, this stunning angelfish brings a splash of sunshine to any large marine aquarium with its bold coloration and active personality.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Centropyge heraldi (Herald’s Angelfish) or Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus (Goldflake Angelfish)
• Common Names: Yellow Angelfish, Herald’s Angelfish, Golden Angelfish
• Adult Size: Up to 4–5 inches (C. heraldi) or 10 inches (A. xanthopunctatus)
• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial
• Reef Compatibility: With caution – may nip at some corals and invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons (C. heraldi) or 125+ gallons (A. xanthopunctatus)
• Experience Level: Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide substantial live rock formations with plenty of caves, overhangs, and hiding spots. Yellow Angelfish are active swimmers that also appreciate secure retreats for resting.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • dKH: 8–12
• Aquascape: Dense live rock structure with multiple territories and grazing surfaces. Ensure adequate swimming space in open water areas.
• Compatibility: Best kept as a single specimen unless the tank is very large. Can be territorial toward other angelfish and similarly colored yellow fish. Compatible with semi-aggressive tank mates of different body shapes and colors. Should be added after more peaceful species are established.

Diet & Feeding

Yellow Angelfish are omnivores requiring a balanced and varied diet:

• Meaty Foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine shrimp, krill, and high-quality frozen preparations
• Plant Matter: Marine algae sheets (nori), spirulina, dried seaweed, and blanched vegetables
• Specialty Foods: Angelfish formulas containing natural sponge material are highly beneficial
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched and color-enhancing foods to maintain vibrant yellow coloration
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions to support health, coloration, and reduce aggressive behavior

Notes & Considerations

• Behavior: Generally peaceful when young but can become more assertive with age. Territorial behavior increases in smaller tanks or when kept with similar species. May establish and defend a preferred territory within the aquarium.
• Coral Compatibility: Centropyge heraldi is generally more reef-cautious than larger species but may still sample soft corals, zoanthids, and clam mantles. Larger Apolemichthys species are less reef-safe and more likely to nip at corals and invertebrates.
• Species Variations: The common name “Yellow Angelfish” can refer to several species. Centropyge heraldi is solid yellow, while Centropyge flavissima (Lemonpeel Angelfish) has blue eye rings and fin margins. Ensure proper identification for appropriate care requirements.
• Acclimation: Requires careful, gradual acclimation using the drip method over 45–60 minutes to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition.
• Tank Mates: Avoid housing with other dwarf angelfish, butterflyfish, or passive species that may be intimidated. Works well with tangs, wrasses, dottybacks, and appropriately sized semi-aggressive species.

Why Choose a Quarantined Yellow Angelfish?

Our quarantined Yellow Angelfish have been professionally acclimated, health-screened for parasites and disease, and conditioned to readily accept a variety of prepared foods. Each specimen is carefully observed to ensure robust health, vibrant coloration, and proper feeding response—providing you with a healthy, acclimated fish that’s ready to become a brilliant centerpiece in your aquarium from the moment it arrives.