Goldflake Angelfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 10"
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Pomacanthidae   • Species: Angels (Large)   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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The Goldflake Angelfish is kept very rarely in the home aquarium, but is very prized especially among angel enthusiasts. It is found near and around the Caroline islands of the western pacific, where it grazes on algae and many less noxious corals such as xenia and clam mantles. Not a lot is known about this species due to it's relatively small territorial range and its rare presence in the aquarium industry.

However, this species is not difficult to keep and is quite compatible with reef aquariums containing noxious LPS corals (such as Torch Coral), Leather Corals, Gorgonians, SPS Corals, shrimp, anemones, and mushrooms. As with other species it is best kept as the only angel in the tank or it should be added at the same time as the other angel(s). Since it grows to a max size of 10" and enjoys a relatively large swimming range, it is best to keep this species in a good sized aquarium 55 or larger if possible.

The Goldflake Angelfish or Gold-Spangled Angel has a base body color that ranges from a bright yellow to a mustard/goldish green color. Generally the color is brightest around the face and then fades to a darker hue towards the tail fins. The fins are black with a bright blue/blue-white accent around the edges. There are black accents on the forehead and down the middle of the eyes, while the lips are a bright blue color. As the name implies the rest of the body is dotted with bright gold marks, giving this fish it's common name.

In the Aquarium environment the Gold-Spangled Angel is best described as semi-aggressive as it will be peaceful with dissimilar species, but will squabble with others of its own kind and other similarly sized angels. If you plan to keep with other full sized angels, it is best to add them at the same time to lessen territorial battles. Unlike many other full size angels, the Gold-Spangled is fairly compatible with reef aquariums. The Goldflake Angel can be kept with a wide variety of noxious LPS corals (such as Torch Coral), Leather Corals, Gorgonians, SPS Corals, shrimp, anemones, and mushrooms. It is a threat to less noxious LPS corals, xenia, and sometimes clam mantles.

Gold-Spangled Angels are omnivores and will eat both meaty and vegetable foods. It is important that they are fed all kinds of live, frozen, and prepared angel formula foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day. A good formula that can be made at home consists of mussels, shrimp, squid, and spinach. This species should be fed two to four times daily what the fish will consume within a few minutes. Being an omnivore it is important to provide a balanced diet of algae and meats to provide all the necessary vitamins and nutritional needs.