Chrysurus Angelfish (Pomacanthus chrysurus)
Chrysurus Angelfish (Pomacanthus chrysurus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Ear Spot Angelfish or Goldtail Angelfish are found on coral reefs in the western Indian Ocean, South Africa. Its range extends to the Comoro Islands, Madagascar, and northeast to the Seychelles.
Adult Chrysurus Angelfish are found on shallow coral and rocky reefs with lush growths of coral at depths between 3 to 100 feet where they graze on sponges, crustaceans, zooplankton, and tunicates along the bottom. Juveniles consume large amounts of algae and are found in much shallower water.
Chrysurus Angelfish (Pomacanthus chrysurus)
Adult Chrysurus Angelfish are similar to juveniles in coloration.
They have a dark blackish brown body with white vertical bands covering the sides and uneven bright sapphire blue bands covering the head, belly, and anal fin. They have a black spot on the upper portion of the body behind the eye, a darker face than juveniles, and as their name implies; a bright yellow tail edged in blue.
Juvenile Chrysurus Angelfish have a paler, more orangey face and a white bar on the caudal peduncle that
Chrysurus Angelfish (Pomacanthus chrysurus)
develops when the fish reaches about 1.5 inches in length and disappears in adulthood. The tail of juveniles is clear in coloration until they reach 3 to 4 inches in length when it gradually turns a bright yellow rimmed in blue.
Like other angelfish, Chrysurus Angelfish are hermaphroditic with no distinguishing characteristics to differentiate males and females.
For reasons unknown, very few Chrysurus Angelfish or Goldtail Angelfish are collected for tropical fish keeping enthusiasts in the United States.
The Chrysurus Angelfish (Goldtail Angelfish) is best housed in an aged FOLR aquariumof at least 250 gallons with large amounts of aged live rock for grazing and arranged into hiding places. They need plenty of swimming space and because they nip at soft and stony corals, invertebrates, and clam mantles, are not considered reef safe.
Although some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts manage to successfully keep Pomacanthus chrysurus with small polyped stony corals and species like Cladiella spp., Lamnalia spp., Litophyton spp., Sinularia spp. that produce a noxious chemical defense, reef tanks are definitely not recommended. Even in a large reef aquarium, they will pick at both hard and soft corals, as well as clam mantles.
When stressed in a fish only live rock tank, the Chrysurus Angelfish will make an unusual clicking sound.
Little is known of Chrysurus Angelfish biology other than that they are monogamous, difficult to breed, and have not yet been bred in an aquarium environment
In their natural habitat, Chrysurus Angelfish graze on marine algae, sponges, crustaceans, zooplankton, and tunicates. In an aquarium environment, they need plenty of aged live rock for grazing and a balanced diet of Spiurlina
The Chrysurus Angelfish (Pomacanthus chrysurus) also referred to as the Goldtail Angelfish or Ear Spot Angelfish, is not commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. Although few are collected, some are available from trans shippers, specialty tropical fish shops, and online from importers and wholesale suppliers at the following approximate Purchase Size:
Juvenile: Small 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″; Medium 2-1/4″ to 2-3/4″; Large 2-3/4″ to 3-1/2″; Sub Adult: Small 2″ to 2-1/2″; Medium 2-1/2″ to 3 1/4″; Large 3- 1/4″ to 4 1/2″; Adult: Small 2-1/4″ to 2-3/4″; Small/Medium 2-3/4″ to 3-1/4″; Medium 3-1/4″ to 4″; Medium/Large 4″ to 5″; Large 5″ to 6″; X Large 6″ to 7″; XX Large 7″ to 8″; Show Size: 8″ to 10″
Prices range from $400.00 to over $1500.00 depending on size.
Chrysurus Angelfish (Pomacanthus chrysurus)
Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR – Mature live rock
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 13″
Color Form: Blue, Yellow, Black
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Coastal Southern Africa, Indian Ocean
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 15 years
Experience Level: Intermediate
