Apolemichthys trimaculatus (Three-spot Angelfish)
Photo © Xinmin Li
Family: Pomacanthidae
Scientific name: Apolemichthys trimaculatus
Common name: Three-spot Angelfish
Synonyms: Flagfin Angelfish
Origin: Indo-West Pacific; East Africa, southern Japan, Samoa, Australia
Adult size: 26cm
Lifespan: 25 years
Sex: No obvious differences between male and female.
Minimum aquarium size: 150cm
Aquarium decor: Rock; not suitable for reef systems, especially those containing live sponges and corals.
Temperature: 24-28°C
Water chemistry: pH 8.1-8.4; Specific gravity 1.020-1.025
Diet: Omnivore; Three-spot Angelfish eat sponges and algae in the wild and can be difficult to feed in captivity. Feed sponge-based Angelfish food as well as marine algae and a variety of live and frozen foods, little and often.
Swimming level: All
Compatibility: Three-spot Angelfish are good community fish but are territorial and aggressive towards other angelfish, especially other Three-spot Angelfish.
Comments: Three-spot Angelfish will graze over living rock for food. Although they are not reef safe they will do better in an aquarium with living rock than one without it.
The Juvenile Angelfish looks very different from the adult. All Angelfish do best if purchased as juveniles or as they are changing colour, adults often do not adjust well to aquarium life.
