Yellowtail angelfish
📖 Overview
Yellowtail angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthurus), first described by Bennett, 1833 is a medium-sized fish in the family Pomacanthidae (order Acanthuriformes). Adults typically reach 15.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 5 to 25 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Pomacanthidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 17 - 18. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellowtail angelfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 5 - 25 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: Mauritius to India and Sri Lanka.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellowtail angelfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Yellowtail angelfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellowtail angelfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Indian Yellowtail Angelfish · Smoke Angelfish · Xanthurus Cream Angelfish · Yellowbrown Angelfish · yellowtail angelfish |
| 🏳️Catalan | Peix àngel crema |
| 🌍CES | pomec indický |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Gulhalet Kejserfisk |
| 🇩🇪German | Indischer Rauchkaiserfisch |
| 🌍EST | India apoleem · India seeravkala |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson-ange des Indes |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce angelo dalla coda gialla |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-anjo-creme |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Ángel de cola amarilla |
| 🌍THA | ปลาสินสมุทรหน้าดำ |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holacanthus xanthurus | Bennett | 1833 | Synonym |
| Pomacanthus xanthurus | Bennett | 1833 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Yellowtail angelfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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