Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Chrysurus Angelfish, also sometimes called the Goldtail Angelfish or Ear Spot Angelfish, is native to the western Indian Ocean. Its range extends from the Gulf of Aden south along the coast of Eastern Africa, including Madagascar, the Comoro Islands and the Seychelles. The Chrysurus angel are a relatively infrequent angelfish to see in the aquarium hobby. They exhibit a golden-brown body pattern with vertical white stripes. There are several bright blue stripes on the head, and the tail is a dull yellow with a bright blue edge. As a sub-adult, the tail is clear in coloration until they reach 3 to 4 inches, at which time it begins to develop the yellow coloration. Juveniles exhibit the classic alternating blue-black-white striped pattern typical of Pomacanthus. As adults they can reach just over 12 inches in length.
Diet Requirements: In the wild the diet is dominated by sponges, tunicates, crustaceans, and zooplankton while the juveniles who are typically found in shallower water consume large quantities of algae. The aquarium diet of the Chrysurus angelfish should include Spirulina, Chlorella, marine sheet algae, high-quality angelfish preparations including sponge, mysis or enriched frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.
Care Requirements: The Chrysurus Angelfish requires a 125 gallon or larger aquarium as an adult with multiple hiding places and large amounts of live rock for grazing. They are considered semi-aggressive, especially towards other large angelfish species or species with similar coloration. They can be good candidates for the reef aquarium, with caution and close observation. The Chrysurus angelfish is prone to nipping at stony and soft coral polyps and clams, but may be kept with small-polyped stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 2-3/4″; Large: 2-3/4″ to 3-1/2″; Sub-Adult Small: 2″ to 2-1/2″; Medium: 2-1/2″ to 3-1/4″; Large: 3-1/4″ to 4-1/2″; Adult Small: 2-1/4″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4″; Large: 5″ to 6″; XLarge: 6″ to 7″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.Â
