Xanthotis Angelfish

The Xanthotis Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthotis) takes its other common name, Yellow-ear Angelfish, from the small yellow patch behind its eye. Set against a black head, that patch stands out even when the fish is partly concealed beneath a ledge. A cream-colored body, dark fins edged in white and a bright yellow tail complete the pattern.

This western Indian Ocean angelfish inhabits rocky reefs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In an aquarium, a layout with shaded overhangs and open passages lets it move between shelter and grazing surfaces throughout the day.

Plan for a mature aquarium of at least 125 gallons. The species reaches about 8 inches (20 cm) in standard length, measured from the snout to the base of the tail. Allow enough room for the full-grown fish to turn inside its shelter and swim past established tankmates.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Adult Size: Approximately 8 inches (20 cm standard length)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: With caution
Region: Western Indian Ocean
Scientific Name: Apolemichthys xanthotis

Tank Requirements

Build an open route around stable rock islands. Give the fish access to exposed surfaces where it can browse and a shaded cave where it can withdraw completely. Two entrances to a retreat help when a tankmate occupies one end.

Position circulation pumps so water moves through the rockwork while leaving a calmer resting place under a ledge. Leave enough clearance to remove scraps from the bottom of caves. A mature system with established grazing surfaces is particularly valuable while the fish settles into a feeding routine.

Consider the layout at adult size. A narrow gap that works for a newly arrived juvenile can become a dead end as it grows. Leave room for the fish to turn without scraping its sides or fin edges.

Diet and Feeding

Offer a varied omnivorous diet that includes marine angelfish preparations containing sponge. Alternate these with mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood, spirulina foods and marine algae. Cut larger pieces small enough for the individual to swallow in one bite.

Offer several small meals and secure an algae sheet near a familiar grazing route. When introducing prepared foods, place a small portion beside a ledge the fish already visits. This lets you see whether it swallows food before faster tankmates take it.

Picking at rock between meals is normal. Observe body condition as well as appetite: an angelfish can spend much of the day browsing and still miss most of its prepared food. If that happens, feed the rest of the community at a second location.

Temperament and Tankmates

The Xanthotis Angelfish can defend a grazing area or cave against another angelfish, particularly one with a similar body shape. One angel is the simpler arrangement in a display close to the minimum recommended size. Choose companions with compatible space and feeding requirements.

Watch interactions near the fish’s shelter as well as at mealtimes. A brief display may end when the other fish swims away. Repeated pursuit, damaged fins or a fish confined to one corner calls for separate feeding areas, more visual cover or separation.

Reef Compatibility

Use caution in a reef aquarium. The Xanthotis investigates attached organisms as it grazes and may repeatedly nip coral tissue, ornamental sponges or clam mantles. A fish-only display with live rock offers browsing surfaces and avoids that conflict.

Watch for repeated visits to one colony. A coral that retracts when the angelfish passes may reopen quickly, while persistent closure or damage in the same spot deserves closer observation. Keep a way to separate the fish if it begins targeting a prized animal.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 72–78°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Maintain well-oxygenated water with undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Keep salinity stable through evaporation and water changes. Check mechanical filtration after feeding and remove food trapped under overhangs before it breaks down.

Common Considerations

• Identification: Look for the yellow patch against the dark head as well as the yellow tail. The patch is the source of the name Yellow-ear Angelfish.

• Adult housing: Plan the aquascape for the adult from the start, with a sheltered turning area and a clear route through the display.

• Handling: Angelfish have spines on the gill covers that can catch in net mesh. A suitably sized specimen container is useful for transfers.

• Stock listing: Individual coloration and pattern vary. Listed sizes are approximate.