The Conspicuous Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus) is a vibrant and captivating marine fish known for its striking coloration and unique markings. This relatively small angelfish, reaching a maximum size of 10.0 cm, is a popular choice among aquarists due to its beauty and relatively peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Conspicuous Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus) is easily recognizable by its bright yellow body adorned with prominent, dark blue and black markings. Its head features a distinctive black “eye mask” extending from the eye to the mouth, giving it a bold and somewhat comical appearance. This intricate pattern, along with its vibrant yellow coloration, makes it a standout species among angelfishes. Its body is generally oval-shaped and slightly compressed laterally, a characteristic common to many angelfish species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Conspicuous Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus) is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific Ocean. It prefers shallow reefs and rocky areas, typically inhabiting depths between 1.0 and 40.0 meters. This depth range places it within the photic zone, allowing it to take advantage of the abundant sunlight that penetrates these waters, providing an optimal environment for coral growth and the diverse marine life that thrives in this zone.
Taxonomy
The species Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Pomacanthidae. This family, also known as the angelfish family, includes numerous species of colorful and often uniquely patterned fish. Teleostei is the largest and most diverse order of fish, containing about 20,000 species, while Acanthuriformes is an order that includes surgeonfish, triggerfish, and, of course, angelfish. The Pomacanthidae family is characterized by their laterally compressed bodies and distinctive markings.
Feeding
The Conspicuous Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus) is an omnivore with a varied diet. In the wild, its diet consists primarily of algae, sponges, and coral polyps, making it a corallivorous species. In captivity, it readily accepts a variety of prepared foods, including brine shrimps, clam meat, flakes, frozen food (especially larger items), krill, lettuce, mysis, nori algae, and sponges. This dietary adaptability makes it a relatively easy species to care for in aquariums, contributing to its popularity among aquarists.
Image References