Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Not Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: West Pacific Ocean: Endemic to the Philippine Archipelago
Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits costal reefs at fairly shallow depths, and has been reported to be seen at depths up to about 100 feet (30 m).
General Husbandry: This beautiful angelfish, which is frequently available in the trade, has a body frontal area that is light tan, with the remaining a dark brownish to bluish-black, and overall covered with brilliant blue dots. Its dorsal and anal fins are also dark brown and edged in blue, with its tail a bright yellow.
When first introduced into the aquarium, preferably a well-established fish-only aquarium with lots of live rock and cave areas, it should be offered several daily feedings so as to quickly acclimate it to its surroundings.
As to diet in the wild, not much is known, nevertheless, because it's a fairly shallow water species, the same foods as similar depth angelfish species should suffice, e.g., a wide variety of frozen foods including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and especially those containing sponge matter/angelfish food preparations. Furthermore, there are reports that in aquariums this species is an excellent browser of filamentous algae, therefore flake foods, and especially those containing Spirulina and/or Nori should also be offered, with once or twice a day feedings after its acclimated highly recommended.
Depending upon its tankmates, it can be quite shy when first entering the aquarium, and may hide in caves and crevices. But as time passes, will become more outgoing and begin to establish its territory. Nevertheless, those in this genus, as are those in the genus Apolemichthys, are almost always very good tankmates and considered one of the least aggressive in the family.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Pomacanthidae
Genus: Chaetodontoplus
FYI: Keeping more than one genus of angelfishes in the same aquarium is possible, yet depends upon several aspects. The following suggested circumstances are just that, possibilities that when heeded and adjusted to actual aquarium conditions ‘may’ make multiple angelfish collections feasible.
Aquarium size – the larger the better.
Other species from the same genus should not be in the same aquarium.
The smallest and most docile genus species should be the first introduced with the largest and most malicious the last to be added.
Do not place similar coloration species in the same aquarium.
Those already in the aquarium should be well fed before adding a newcomer.
Have sufficient hiding places/rocky caves.
Keep in mind all angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover; therefore use caution when handling and also avoid using a net to capture it, as it may become stuck or tangled in the net and become damaged when removed.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Fish-only aquarium
Reef Safe: No - will nip clam mantles, large and small polyped stony (LPS/SPS) corals and some soft corals.
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 28°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
