Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Yellowtail Cream Angelfish is also referred to as the Xanthurus Angelfish, Indian Yellowtail Angelfish, Cream Angelfish, or Yellowtail Black Angelfish. Native to the Indian ocean, ranging from the Mascarenes, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and the eastern coast of India. It has been recorded off Myanmar and Thailand and reported from Sulawesi as well. True to its Latin name, the tail fin is yellow and the dorsal fin is outlined with a silvery-white line. The body ranges from a cream color to charcoal black and tends to darken with age. They reach an adult size of 6 to 8 inches.
Diet Requirements: Their natural diet consists of a variety of crustaceans, sponges and algae. As with other angelfish, the aquarium diet should include Spirulina, Chlorella, marine sheet algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or enriched frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.
Care Requirements: The Yellowtail Cream Angelfish adapts readily to aquarium life. It requires a minimum of a 125 gallon tank or larger with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing will offer an environment in which to thrive. They are known to be very aggressive to their own kind, and only one specimen should be kept per tank. It is best they are kept with other active or semi-aggressive varieties of fish. This species is prone to nipping at stony and soft coral polyps and clams, and would only be considered reef safe with caution and careful observation. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 4-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.Â
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