Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus
Blue angelfish, also known as yellowtail angelfish, are a fish rarely seen in aquarists' collections. In nature, these fish live in the Indo-Pacific region, along deep rocky areas of reefs, overgrown with algae and rich in clusters of sponges at depths of 10 to 40 m. The fish swim mostly singly. These fish rarely appear in local zoos. Keep the fish is recommended only for experienced aquarists.
Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus has a dark blue or dark brown body coloration. The head and front part of the body is orange-brown. The entire body, except for the head, is studded with fine blue mottles. The coloration of the anal and dorsal fins varies from dark brown to black with blue edging. The caudal fin is bright yellow. Sexual differences are not pronounced. The fish are hermaphrodites, all individuals are initially born female until the dominant female in the group turns into a male. Young fish are dark brown, almost black in color with yellow stripes on the front of the back, on the head, and around the dorsal fin. The tail plumage of juveniles is yellow-white. The maximum size of the fish is 20 cm.
To keep Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus suitable aquarium of 500 liters or more. It should be placed a large number of live rocks, as well as rocks with caves in which the fish could freely swim. Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus are relatively non-aggressive. It is possible to keep these angelfish with other peaceful fish, which may be surgeons, clownfish, sea dogs, butterflies and others. To avoid territorial conflicts should not be kept Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus with other angel fish.
Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus are not considered reef safe and gnaw stony corals, soft corals, and clam mantles. Also, these fish are happy to eat filamentous algae.
Water parameters: temperature 22-27° C, hardness dH 8-12°, acidity pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
In the wild, the diet of Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus consists mainly of sponges, diatom algae, and shellfish. Under aquarium conditions, the fish feed on filamentous and diatom algae, sponges, and live rocks. Also, the fish are given fresh and frozen spirulina, seaweed, sea shrimp. Feed the fish at least 3 times a day.
Reproduction
Although Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus are successfully bred commercially, there are no reports of their breeding under aquarium conditions.
In the wild, female Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus spawns at dusk. The male performs a peculiar dance in front of the female swimming around her in a spiral. The female lays eggs, and the male immediately fertilizes it, after spawning, the eggs float in the water column and parents do not take care of her.
The lifespan of the Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus is about 10-15 years.
