The Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus), also known as the Yellowbar Angelfish, Half-Moon Angelfish, or Yellow-Blotched Angelfish, is a species of marine angelfish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae. It was first formally described in 1775 by the Finnish-born Swedish naturalist Peter Forsskal. The specific name maculosus means ‘spotted.’ The Maculosus Angelfish

Physical Description

has a deep and compressed body with a small mouth equipped with small bristle-like teeth. Adults have filaments extending back from the soft-rayed parts of the dorsal and anal fins, reaching past the caudal fin. The background colour of adults is brownish blue with each scale having a blue margin. There is an uneven, yellow bar close to the centre of the flanks with dark blue, vertically elongated spots towards the head. The caudal fin has wavy, blue lines on a pale yellow background. Juveniles are mainly black marked with many arced, vertical blue lines and three broader white lines. The dorsal fin has 12-13 spines and 21 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 19-20 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 50 cm (20 in). The Maculosus Angelfish

Distribution and Habitat

is found in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman. It has been recorded on uncommon occasions since 2008 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is found at depths of between 4 and 50 meters. It is a solitary species that lives in sheltered areas, often where there is a mixture of coral and silt.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet is dominated by sponges and tunicates, although other invertebrates will be eaten opportunistically. The females attain sexual maturity at around 5.5 years of age and a total length of 21.6 cm. The maximum longevity is thought to be 36 years.

Behavior and Reproduction

They are protogynous hermaphrodites. Divers have noted that this is a curious species and is not shy.

Aquarium Care

The Maculosus Angelfish requires a spacious aquarium of at least 200 gallons. Not considered reef-safe.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.