Yellowbar angelfish

Care at a glance

Overview

The yellowbar angelfish is one of the hardier large angels, best suited to a fish-only or robust mixed system. It is manageable with a little experience.

Caring for the yellowbar angelfish

Plan on at least 180 gal (680 L) of open water for the yellowbar angelfish, with big rock caves. Hold the temperature at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and the pH at 8.1 to 8.4. It readily eats spirulina, marine algae, mysis and angelfish preparations.

The yellowbar angelfish is mostly peaceful, but it grows large and becomes dominant. Keep one per tank, with sturdy tank mates. It nips stony and soft corals and clam mantles, so it is reef safe only with caution.

Good to know

The yellowbar angelfish, Pomacanthus maculosus, is a large blue angel in the family Pomacanthidae. A broad yellow bar crosses the middle of its body and sets it apart from similar Pomacanthus. Juveniles are dark blue with pale curved lines.

In the wild

The yellowbar angelfish is common across the Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf and East Africa. It lives on coastal and inshore reefs, including silty areas. Adults graze sponges and algae over live rock.

Common questions

Related species

• 

  Annularis angelfish

  Pomacanthus annularis

  17.7 in (45 cm) · 219 gal (830 L)

  17.7 in (45 cm)219 gal (830 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  French angelfish

  Pomacanthus paru

  16.1 in (41 cm) · 201 gal (760 L)

  16.1 in (41 cm)201 gal (760 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Asfur angelfish

  Pomacanthus asfur

  15.7 in (40 cm) · 156 gal (590 L)

  15.7 in (40 cm)156 gal (590 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Koran angelfish

  Pomacanthus semicirculatus

  15.7 in (40 cm) · 185 gal (700 L)

  15.7 in (40 cm)185 gal (700 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  Blueface angelfish

  Pomacanthus xanthometopon

  15 in (38 cm) · 219 gal (830 L)

  15 in (38 cm)219 gal (830 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  Emperor angelfish

  Pomacanthus imperator

  15 in (38 cm) · 185 gal (700 L)

  15 in (38 cm)185 gal (700 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)