Xanthurus Angel (Apolemichthys Xanthurus)

Also Known As: Cream Angelfish, Indian Yellowtail Angelfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Xanthurus Angel has a look that rewards a closer look. The ivory-cream body is overlaid by a dark lattice of scale edges that creates a net-like pattern becoming more pronounced as the fish matures. The head, dorsal, and anal fins are dark charcoal to black, set against a bright yellow tail and a yellow spot behind each eye. It's a sophisticated, high-contrast color scheme that holds up well in larger displays without relying on flashy blues or oranges to make its case.

Temperament is semi-aggressive and fairly typical for a medium angel: adaptable and generally manageable, but capable of becoming territorial toward similarly shaped fish once settled. It usually coexists well with sturdy community fish like tangs, wrasses, clownfish, gobies, and butterflies, while very small or timid species can struggle in confined systems with an established Xanthurus. One per tank is a firm rule. This species is known to be strongly aggressive toward its own kind and other Apolemichthys, so mixing is not a workable approach in typical home systems. Reef safety is best treated as "with caution." Many individuals do fine in mixed reefs without causing significant coral damage, but sampling of coral polyps and clam mantles does happen, and individual behavior varies enough that close monitoring in coral-heavy systems is a smart precaution.

Aquarium Requirements
The Xanthurus Angel needs a large, mature system with plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter. A 120 to 125-gallon tank is the consistent recommendation for a single specimen, with more volume preferred when housing it alongside other medium to large fish. Rockwork should provide caves, arches, and crevices for exploring and retreating, while still leaving open swimming lanes around the perimeter. Strong biological filtration, efficient protein skimming, and stable water parameters support the frequent feeding schedule this active omnivore benefits from. Diet should be varied and include sponge-based angelfish preparations, spirulina, marine algae or nori, mysis and other small crustaceans, enriched brine, and quality pellets. Covering both the algae-grazing and meaty sides of its diet consistently goes a long way toward long-term health and color.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2", Md: 2-3"
Diet: Omnivore; sponge-based angelfish foods, mysis, chopped seafood, algae sheets, quality pellets
Origin: Indian Ocean, including the Mascarenes, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the east coast of India
Care Level: Easy to moderate
Reef Safe: With caution; may nip at some corals and clam mantles
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; strongly territorial toward other angelfish of the same or similar species
Minimum Tank Size: 120–125 gallons
Special Considerations: Only one per tank; strongly aggressive toward conspecifics and other Apolemichthys species; consistent varied feeding reduces coral-nipping risk.