Yellowtail Angelfish
Chaetodontoplus personifer
A handsome fish, endemic to northern Australia. The distinctive colour pattern features a broad white bar that separates the mostly black body and fins from the bluish-grey head covered in yellow spots. The nape, breast and pelvic fins are yellow, as is the tail fin, which also features a black bar on some individuals.
Morphology
The steep forehead profile and ovate body give this species an almost rectangular shape overall. Like other angelfishes (Pomacanthidae), it has a sharp spine at the base of each gill cover (operculum). Reaches a maximum size of 35 cm.
Evolution
The closely related Chaetodontoplus meredithi found on the east coast of Australia is regarded as a "sister species". The genus Chaetodontoplus, which contains 15 currently recognised species is part of the Angelfish family (Pomacanthidae) which contains 89 species.
Behaviour
Usually solitary, but sometimes found in pairs or small groups. Feeds mostly on sponges and other sessile marine invertebrates.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Marine
Inhabits rocky areas, flat bottom sponge gardens and coral reefs at depths between 8 and 40 m.
Distribution
Endemic to north-western Australia where it occurs from the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands (WA) to western parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria (NT).
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pomacanthidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodontoplus |
| Species: | personifer |
| Name Published Year: | 1914 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | McCulloch |
| Commercial Impact: | This species has minor commercial value as part of the aquarium fish trade. |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/chaetodontoplus-personifer
Accessed 10 May 2025
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