Aquacultured Goldflake Angel (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus)

The Pomacanthidae known as the Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus) is found from the central to west pacific, including Hawaii, as well as the Christmas and Pheonix islands. Wild specimens are typically rarer to the aquarium trade, in particular juveniles, as they prefer deep lagoons and the outer reef slopes. To 9-10 in length in the wild, most Apolemichthys stay much smaller in captivity only being larger than Centropyge and Paaracentropyge species. Juveniles are a vibrant yellow not dissimilar to the flagfin angelfish, a cogenitor. The yellow becomes more muted with age but yellow to golden spots that seemingly glitter and fluoresce under proper lighting develop and provide an amazing contrast which lends to the Goldflake angels common name. In the wild they are benthic feeders, eating mostly tunicates, sponges and algae. While not coralvores, they should be monitored around sessile invertebrates. Aquacultured specimens that are more adaptable to captive fare are also available and more resistant to change and adapt better than their wild counterparts, these are now currently available at Quality Marine.