How to Identify Yellowface Angelfish

To identify Yellowface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults display a predominantly blue-grey body with a prominent bright yellow mask covering the face, extending from the snout to behind the eyes. The body is adorned with a reticulated pattern of dark blue lines, often forming a net-like appearance. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in bright blue, and the caudal fin is yellow. Juveniles are dark blue to black with numerous thin, vertical white to light blue stripes, and a yellow caudal fin. As they mature, the stripes fade and the adult coloration develops.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Bright yellow facial mask in adults, Reticulated dark blue body pattern in adults, Yellow caudal fin in both juveniles and adults, Strong preopercular spine

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 13-14 spines and 18-19 soft rays, extending almost the entire length of the back.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly truncate caudal fin, bright yellow.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins, typically translucent with a yellowish tint.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is similar in shape and length to the dorsal fin, with 3 spines and 18-19 soft rays, also edged in bright blue.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Adult Coloration

   Look for the unmistakable bright yellow mask on the face, contrasting with the blue-grey body and its intricate dark blue reticulated pattern. The yellow caudal fin is also a key identifier.

2. 2

   Juvenile Coloration

   Juveniles are dark blue/black with numerous thin, vertical white/light blue stripes and a yellow caudal fin. This pattern is distinct from other juvenile angelfish species.

3. 3

   Size

   Adults can reach up to 46 cm (18 inches) in total length, making them one of the larger angelfish species.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Often observed swimming slowly among coral formations, grazing on sponges and tunicates.

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