Flagfin Angelfish (7 days for Delivery)

About this fish

What is its maximum size?The Flagfin Angelfish can grow to approximately 25–26 cm (10 inches) in length, making it a fairly large species of marine angelfish.
It is an active swimmer and requires a spacious, well-established aquarium with plenty of mature live rock, hiding places and open swimming areas. Although sometimes sold as a smaller juvenile, it is important to remember that this species grows considerably and needs an appropriately sized aquarium as it matures.
A mature aquarium with abundant natural grazing opportunities is particularly beneficial, especially during acclimatisation.
Where is its origin and where is it exported from?The Flagfin Angelfish originates from the tropical Indo-Pacific region, with a natural distribution extending from East Africa across the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Fiji, Samoa, southern Japan and Australia.
It inhabits coral-rich lagoons, coastal reefs and outer reef slopes, where it is commonly found around rocky structures and areas with abundant sponge and tunicate growth.
It is commonly exported for the aquarium trade from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Fiji and other Indo-Pacific regions. 


Is it reef compatible?Generally considered unsuitable for reef aquariums.
The Flagfin Angelfish has a natural diet consisting largely of sponges and tunicates, and it is well known for picking at a variety of sessile invertebrates.
It may nip at LPS corals, SPS corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clam mantles, feather duster worms and other reef invertebrates. It may also consume desirable sponges growing naturally within the aquarium.
Although individual behaviour can vary, it should not be considered reef safe. A fish-only aquarium with live rock (FOWLR) is the recommended environment for this species.
What should I feed it?The Flagfin Angelfish has specialised dietary requirements and can be challenging to feed successfully in captivity.
Its natural diet consists primarily of marine sponges and tunicates, alongside algae and other small organisms found growing on reef surfaces.
Feed a varied diet consisting of:
Sponge-based marine angelfish preparations.
Enriched mysis shrimp.
Vitamin-enriched brine shrimp.
Finely chopped prawns, mussels, clams and squid.
Spirulina and marine algae.
High-quality marine angelfish pellets.
Foods containing marine sponge material are particularly important and should form a regular part of its diet rather than being offered occasionally.
Offer small portions at least 3 times throughout the day. Newly imported specimens can be reluctant to accept prepared foods, so it is particularly important to purchase a fish that is already feeding confidently.
Mature live rock with natural sponge and algae growth can provide additional nutritional opportunities and help support the fish's long-term health. 


How many can I keep?Best kept singly in most home aquariums. The Flagfin Angelfish can become territorial, particularly towards other large angelfish and fish with similar body shapes.
Although adults may be encountered in small groups in the wild, keeping multiple specimens together in captivity requires a very large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and separate territories.
Keeping a compatible pair may be possible in exceptionally large systems, but this is not generally recommended for the average home aquarium.
It is best not to mix this species with other large angelfish, particularly those from the same genus (Apolemichthys), as territorial disputes can become serious. 


How compatible is it with other fish?The Flagfin Angelfish can be suitable for larger community marine aquariums, although it may become territorial as it matures.
Suitable tankmates can include tangs, larger wrasses, groupers, clownfish, butterflyfish and other robust marine species.
Avoid keeping it with particularly aggressive fish that may intimidate it or prevent it from feeding. Newly introduced specimens can be quite shy and may struggle when housed with overly dominant tankmates.
It is generally best kept as the only angelfish in the aquarium, particularly in smaller systems. Provide plenty of live rock, caves and hiding places to help reduce territorial behaviour.
Careful consideration should also be given to its eventual adult size when selecting tankmates. 


Water parametersTemperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Keep as low as practical with stable water quality.
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH