The Singapore Angelfish, also known as the Vermiculated Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus Mesoleucus), is a gorgeous species similar in shape and behavior to butterflyfish. It has a very tall, flat, rounded body with a compact face. The coloring is particularly striking, with a shimmery silver body, blue lips and a black vertical band over the eyes, resembling a mask. The mask is bordered with another thin vertical band of yellow, followed by a wider vertical band of white with the body being primarily black. Like many large Angelfish their appearance will change dramatically from the juvenile to adult stage. Due to aggression towards other Angelfish they are best kept singly but will do well with other larger fish.
The Singapore Angelfish can be challenging to keep. Some acclimate well, while others hide constantly and do not eat. Providing a quietly-located aquarium with non-aggressive tank mates and lots of hiding places for this species in the way or rock and overhangs so it can adapt to it’s new home as it is a fairly shy fish during initial introduction. A minimum of a 120 gallon tank or larger provided with live rock for grazing will also help provide an optimal environment.
The Singapore Angelfish are hermaphroditic and do not have distinguishable variations in color between male and female. In the wild, the Singapore angelfish is found in the Indo-West Pacific from southern Japan to Indonesia. They are not reef safe, as they will nip at soft and stony polyp corals, sessile invertebrates and clam mantles. Diet should include a variety of spirulina, marine algae, high quality angelfish preparations, mysis and brine shrimp, 3 times daily.