Intermediate Juvenile Blueface Angelfish – Pomacanthus xanthometopon

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 10/2 - Release Date: 10/23
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Blueface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon), also known as the Yellowface Angelfish, is a large marine angelfish native to the tropical Indo-Pacific. This specimen is an intermediate juvenile, displaying the fascinating transition between the dramatically banded juvenile coloration and the intricate pattern of an adult Blueface Angelfish.

Young Blueface Angelfish begin with a dark body crossed by contrasting pale blue and white vertical bands. As they mature, the juvenile pattern gradually gives way to adult coloration, including a yellow facial mask, brilliant blue facial markings, yellow fins and a reticulated scale pattern. This specimen still retains several prominent juvenile vertical bands while already developing yellow coloration and blue facial markings characteristic of the adult fish. Reef Life Survey likewise documents the strongly barred juvenile pattern and the dramatically different adult coloration. Reef Life Survey

Pomacanthus xanthometopon has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution, extending from the Maldives east to Vanuatu and north to the Yaeyama Islands, with populations also documented around Palau and Kosrae in Micronesia. FishBase

In nature, Blueface Angelfish inhabit coral-rich lagoons, channels and outer reef slopes, frequently remaining near caves and substantial reef structure. FishBase gives a documented depth range of approximately 5–30 meters (16–98 feet) and notes that juveniles settle in very shallow inshore caves where algae is present. FishBase

The species naturally consumes sponges, tunicates and other encrusting organisms, making a varied diet particularly important in captivity. FishBase records a maximum total length of 38 cm, approximately 15 inches, so this attractive juvenile ultimately develops into a substantial marine angelfish requiring a large aquarium. FishBase

This specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac's Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pomacanthus xanthometopon (Bleeker, 1853)
Common Name: Blueface Angelfish
Other Common Name: Yellowface Angelfish
Life Stage: Intermediate Juvenile
Family: Pomacanthidae
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with significant caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: 220 gallons recommended for long-term adult housing
Maximum Size: Approximately 15 inches / 38 cm total length FishBase
Diet: Omnivorous/specialized benthic feeder; sponges, tunicates and other encrusting organisms are important natural foods FishBase
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide substantial mature rockwork with caves and sheltered areas while preserving ample open swimming space. This is a large-bodied angelfish at maturity, so the aquarium should be planned around its adult size, not its present juvenile dimensions. Its natural association with coral-rich lagoons, channels, reef slopes and caves supports providing extensive structure. FishBase

Diet and Feeding: FishBase documents sponges, tunicates and other encrusting organisms as natural foods. FishBase In captivity, provide a diverse diet that includes quality marine-angelfish preparations containing sponge material along with appropriate marine algae and varied meaty marine foods.

Temperament: Blueface Angelfish are generally best considered semi-aggressive. As the fish matures, territorial behavior may become more pronounced, particularly toward other large angelfishes or fishes competing for the same shelter.

Reef Compatibility: I would classify this species as reef compatible with significant caution, rather than simply “reef compatible.” Its natural feeding ecology includes sponges, tunicates and other encrusting organisms. FishBase Individual behavior varies, but it should not be assumed safe with sessile reef invertebrates.

Juvenile-to-Adult Transition: This particular fish is valuable visually because it demonstrates the species' color transition. It retains the pale vertical juvenile bands while already developing adult-type facial and fin coloration. The final adult appearance will be dramatically different from the fish shown here.

Natural Habitat: Coral-rich lagoons, channels and outer reef slopes, frequently near caves, generally at approximately 5–30 meters. Juveniles occur in shallow inshore caves with algal growth.