Pomacanthus xanthometopon (Bleeker, 1853)
Yellowface angelfish
Pomacanthus xanthometopon
photo by Greenfield, J.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  38 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Maldives to Vanuatu, north to the Yaeyama Islands; Palau and Krosae in Micronesia (Ref. 1602).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 16-18. Description: Head blue, eye mask yellow, body scales blue with margin yellow resulting to network pattern; dorsal fin yellow with spot black large posteriorly, caudal fin yellow. Body depth 1.7-1.9 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 46-52 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in coral rich areas of lagoons, channels, and outer reef slopes. Often near caves (Ref. 9710). Juveniles settle in very shallow inshore caves with algae growth (Ref. 48636). Usually solitary. Feeds on sponges and other encrusting organisms (Ref. 6113) and tunicates. Occasionally exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391). Individuals under 20 cm in length are best adapted to tank life (Ref. 4907).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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