Bluespotted angelfish (Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Pomacanthidae (marine angelfishes)
Origin
Endemic to the Philippines; rocky areas rich in sponges and algae, 14–40 m
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
21 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
600 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Provide plenty of rockwork with caves and overhangs. The minimum tank size of about 600 litres is our own estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources. No species-specific water figures are given in the sources, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance rather than figures for this fish: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020–1.025 (a fish-only system suits it). Keep conditions stable, with low nitrate and good oxygenation. Rarely seen in the wild, so little is known of its behaviour. Treat it like other Chaetodontoplus: generally less pushy than large Pomacanthus angels but territorial towards other angelfish. Dark body with fine bright blue spots and a yellow tail. The article gives a maximum of 20 cm. Turns up often in the trade despite being rare in the wild, and has been bred in captivity. IUCN: Data Deficient. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaetodontopluscaeruleopunctatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats sponges and tunicates in the wild. In the aquarium give angelfish foods containing sponge, frozen mysis, chopped seafood and marine algae, in several small feeds a day.

Breeding

Marine angelfish are pelagic broadcast spawners: a pair rises into the water column, usually around dusk, and releases eggs and sperm together. Protogynous hermaphrodite: all start as females and dominant fish become males. Captive breeding has been reported.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it grazes sponges and tunicates and will pick at stony and soft corals, clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates. Best in a fish-only system with live rock. Keep one large angelfish per tank unless the system is very large; add it after more peaceful fish and alongside robust tankmates such as tangs, larger wrasses and triggerfish of similar size. Avoid small, slow or timid fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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