Pomacanthus chrysurus

Datasheet

General Description

The Goldtail angelfish, scientifically known as Pomacanthus chrysurus, belongs to the Pomacanthus genus of Angelfish and is recognized for its stunning colors and patterns. These fish primarily inhabit sponges, but they also feed on soft corals, tunicates, and macroalgae in their natural environment. There is a notable difference in appearance between juvenile and adult Goldtail angelfish. When adequately fed, they grow quickly, but it may take them over a week to start feeding in captivity due to their lack of experience in catching food in the aquarium.

Aquarium Suitability

Goldtail angelfish are suitable for aquariums with caution due to their aggressive nature towards other fish species. Care should be taken when housing them with peaceful or docile species. Providing regular feeding, ample hiding spots, and sufficient space can help reduce their aggressive behavior to some extent. These fish are not reef safe, but selective coral choices can allow them to coexist in a coral aquarium. A varied diet including algae-based foods like nori seaweed and spirulina is essential for their nutritional needs.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Goldtail angelfish have average hardiness and require high water quality, necessitating proper oxygenation. They acclimate best as juveniles and need good hiding spots among live rocks. These fish can be delicate when small and may refuse to eat initially when introduced to a new environment. Feeding them several times a day, especially initially, and ensuring a varied diet are crucial for their health. They are hermaphroditic, capable of changing gender from female to male as needed for reproduction.

Reef Suitability

These angelfish are not reef-safe due to their tendency to nibble at clams, including Tridacna species. They can also be aggressive towards other tank mates, necessitating careful selection when keeping them in a reef setup. Creating a well-established aquarium with sufficient algae for grazing and supplementing with algae-rich foods like Spirulina can help meet their dietary requirements.

Aquarium Setup

To house Goldtail angelfish, a tank of at least 700 liters is recommended. Providing ample swimming space is crucial as these fish enjoy swimming. Building a mixed coral aquarium with species like Hammer corals, Bubble corals, Star polyps, and Disc anemones can help coexist with these angelfish. Maintaining ideal water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C is essential for their well-being.

Behaviour

Goldtail angelfish can display aggressive behavior towards tank mates, particularly if they feel threatened. They may produce grunting sounds in such situations. When introducing multiple angelfish to the same tank, choosing species with care, including varying sizes, and introducing them in a particular order can help minimize aggression.

Feeding and Diet

A well-rounded diet for Goldtail angelfish includes larger crustaceans, macroalgae (seaweed/nori), microalgae (spirulina), other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and sponges. These fish require frequent feeding, especially when newly added to the aquarium. Offering a varied diet ensures they receive essential nutrients for their health and vitality.

Habitat and Distribution

Goldtail angelfish, native to the Western Indian Ocean, are found from the Gulf of Aden to Natal, South Africa, including regions like Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar. Their natural habitat consists of rich sponge populations, soft corals, tunicates, and macroalgae where they forage for food and seek shelter among rocks.