Blueface Angelfish (Adult)

Blueface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon)

Known by various names such as Blueface, Yellowface, or Yellowmask Angelfish, the adult and juvenile Blueface Angelfish exhibit distinct color variations. In its juvenile stage, the body is adorned with alternating vertical stripes of black, white, and sapphire blue. Upon reaching approximately five inches in size, the juvenile undergoes a transformation into its adult coloration, characterized by a pale yellow body with bluish scales and a vibrant-yellow pectoral fin. The adult features a mottled-blue face with a yellow mask extending from eye to eye, and there is an eyespot at the caudal end of the dorsal fin.

Maintaining the Blueface Angelfish in a suitable environment requires a minimum tank size of 220 gallons with numerous hiding spots and ample live rock for grazing. Not well-suited for reef habitats, this angelfish tends to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It is recommended to keep the Blueface Angelfish as the sole angelfish in the tank to prevent territorial behavior, especially when it becomes the largest fish.

The diet should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. Feeding should occur at least three times daily.