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Fish

Yellowbar angelfish

Pomacanthus maculosus
French name : Ange maculosus

The yellowbar angelfish is a large marine angelfish in the family Pomacanthidae, native to the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and western Indian Ocean. Adults have a bluish to gray body flecked with lighter spots and a prominent broad yellow bar across the midsection, with a yellow-edged tail. Juveniles are dark blue with white and blue vertical bands. It is an active, bold fish that grazes on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild. It requires a very large marine aquarium with generous rockwork providing caves and open swimming space. It is not reliably reef-safe, as it may nip corals and clam mantles. A varied diet including angelfish preparations with sponge, marine algae, and meaty foods is important. It can be aggressive toward other angelfish and similar species. Its size and temperament make it suitable for experienced marine keepers.

Water
Marine
Origin
Red Sea and western Indian Ocean
Adult size
40 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Difficulty
Advanced
Yellowbar angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)
Illustration

Water parameters

Temperature23 – 27 °C
pH8.1 – 8.4
Carbonate hardness (KH)8 – 12 °dKH
Salinity33 – 35 SG

Tank & stocking

Minimum tank volume800 L
Volume budget per individual 400 L — territorial: does not simply add up

“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.

Frequently asked questions

What size aquarium does Yellowbar angelfish need?

Provide at least 800 litres to keep Yellowbar angelfish in good conditions.

What water parameters does Yellowbar angelfish need?

A temperature of 23–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, saltwater.

Is Yellowbar angelfish peaceful or aggressive?

Its temperament is semi-aggressive.

What does Yellowbar angelfish eat?

Its diet: omnivore.

How big does Yellowbar angelfish get?

Around 40 cm as an adult.

Is Yellowbar angelfish suitable for beginners?

Care level: advanced.

Planning a tank with Yellowbar angelfish?

AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.

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Fish from the same biotope

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