Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus, commonly known as the Goldflake angelfish, is a medium-large angelfish closely related to the more well-known A. trimaculatus. As juveniles, they’re very hard to separate; the only real difference being that xanthopunctatus have more pronounced vertical stripes on their body.
Here are some captivating details about the Goldflake angelfish:
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Appearance: As adults, they exhibit a yellow body speckled with golden spots, giving them the appearance of being sprinkled with glitter. Their purple-blue lips, a black spot on the forehead, and black fins edged in blue further enhance their glitzy look. Juveniles are equally spectacular, with bright yellow bodies and black fins. The dorsal fin’s black color is almost teardrop-shaped and edged in yellow, extending down through the eye. They closely resemble juveniles of their close relative, the Flagfin Angelfish or Threespot Angelfish (A. trimaculatus).
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Size: These elegant fish grow to approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) in length.
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Habitat: Found in the Central-Western Pacific Ocean between the Gilbert and Line Islands, as well as from the eastern Caroline Islands to the Marquesas Islands, the Goldflake angelfish inhabits depths ranging from 20 to 262 feet (6 to 80 meters).
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Diet: Their omnivorous diet includes coral polyps, fanworms, crustaceans, tunicates, and algae.
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Availability: Although once rare in the aquarium hobby, they have become more available recently. However, they remain quite expensive. Other descriptive common names include Gold-spangled Angelfish, Goldspotted Angelfish, and Gold-Speckled Angelfish.
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Tank Requirements: To keep them successfully, provide a large aquarium (minimum 100 gallons) with ample rockwork creating caves for refuge and open swimming space. An established tank with live rock and algae growth helps acclimate new specimens. They accept a variety of aquarium foods, including plant matter, spirulina, sponge material, and meaty foods. They can coexist in a community aquarium with other semi-aggressive fish, but caution is needed in reef tanks as older adults may disturb sessile invertebrates.
In summary, the Goldflake angelfish graces aquariums with its dazzling appearance, making it a sought-after addition for marine enthusiasts.
