Blueline Angelfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 10"
• Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Japanese Pacific
• Family: Pomacanthidae   • Species: Angels (Large)   • Aquarium Type: FOWLR

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Blueline Angelfish are a highly attractive and colorful species that are endemic to tropical reefs around Japan and the Ryukyu Islands. As juveniles they are very dark brown to black and have a vertical yellow band that is even with their rear operculum; they also have yellow rear edges on their anal and dorsal fins, and a thin, yellow stripe on their face and lips.

Their blue markings will become more abundant as they mature (at around 4-5") and their base coloration will morph to a yellow with a slight hint of green while their anal and dorsal fins remain dark. Blueline Angelfish are peaceful as juveniles, but once mature they can sometimes harass other tank mates with similar eating habits. Blueline Angelfish are a popular species, but they can be hard to find within the hobby; they can sometimes be special ordered locally or found through online vendors.

Blueline Angelfish should be housed in an aquarium of at least 90 gallons and be provided with a sand substrate in addition to large amounts of live rock for grazing, shelter, and territory. They prefer to have adequate water movement, open swimming space, and quality water conditions; they should be provided with quality filtration to include biological, mechanical, and protein skimming.

As they mature they will establish their territory and become more aggressive towards other tank mates (especially other angels) and should be the last fish introduced or added at the same time as tank mates while still a juvenile. They are recommended for community, FOWLR aquariums as they are known to snack on clam mantles, live corals, small invertebrates, and sponges.

Blueline Angelfish are omnivores and within their natural environment they can be found weaving around the reef, eating algae, clam mantles, live corals, small invertebrates, and sponges. Their aquarium diet should consist of a variety of live, frozen, or freeze-dried, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped clams, marine algae, and quality Spirulina-based flake foods for angelfish and herbivores. Feed at least 2-3 times a day.