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[edit] Goldflake Angel Scientific Name (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus) Max. Size: 10" Tank Size: 100 gallon minimum Aggression: Mildly aggressive Hardiness: May acclimate poorly. Seems to do well if it becomes established. Reef-Safe: Moderately reef-safe Available as captive-bred: (ADD HERE)

pic coming soon

Physical Description

Adults- Body is a creamy golden-brown base color with each scale having a strikingly bright gold speck that stands out. All fins except pectorals are black in color. Edge of dorsal, cadual and anal fins is blue in color, being more or less noticable in different individuals. Mouth region is a strong blue or purple color. Above the eye, at the peak of the head, is a black spot.

Juvenile- Juvenile form (at least in juveniles of a few inches in size) is not highly different. Golden color is brighter and gold specks are not noticable. Dark bars may be noticable on the flanks. Most different is that there is a black spot under the dorsal fin at the rear of the fish, by where the dorsal and cadual fins draw close. Adults do not have this spot.

Distribution

Pacific/Central Pacific. Christmas Island, Gilbert Islands to the Line Islands

Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About

• Order: Perciformes

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Family: Pomacanthidae

• Genus: Apolemichthys

• Species: Xanthopunctatus

Behavior

In the general sense, this Angelfish is not overly aggressive. However, it can become territorial, particularly in a tank that only meets the minimum requirements for its size. Keeping it with other large Angelfish is not recommended unless they are housed in a tank over 180 gallons, with larger being better. In such a case, other Angels should be of similar size, but different in color pattern.

The fish is most often listed as being fully reef-safe, though individual fish may or may not decide to pester corals. Also, this fish will graze for algae and may disturb some corals in the process. To help prevent coral-eating, provide nori and other seaweeds in a clip.

When setting up the tank, be sure to provide both ample swimming room, and some spots the Angel can take shelter in.

Feeding

In the wild this fish is an opportunistic omnivore. It's primary diet is made up of sponges and tunicates. In the aquarium it will require a food made for Angels that has sponges as part of its make-up. Neglecting this type of food will result in the Angel having health problems or dying. In addition to this, provide clips of seaweed, and allow some of your rock or glass to grow algae to be grazed on, and give meaty foods like mysis shrimp. Provide a good mix of all foods types.

Breeding

Scatters eggs into the water column after going through a spawning dance/ritual.

Social Structure

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Current Views

I was unable to find any information saying if this fish is overcollected or not or what the collection method is. It is generally avaliable, though at a higher price then some other Angels. Many retailers will not provide any guarentee for this fish, other then to arrive alive. It is usually only recomended for the experienced aquarist who has a well established tank. Juveniles are usually to be preferred over adults as they may adjust easier to tank life and may have a lower tendency to pick at corals.

Additional Notes

Water Quality should be kept as high as possible. SG 1.020 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4 Temp. 72 - 78 F

Other names: Gold Spangled Angel, Gold-spotted Angelfish