Goldflake Angelfish

Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus - The goldflake angelfish is a “holy grail” species for many aquarists. They are adorned with shiny gold scales that glisten as they swim around your aquarium. Juveniles have a light gold body with a black mask and prominent eye spot. Adults develop deep shining gold coloration and blue lipstick and fin edges that catches actinic light just right. This species is rare in the trade due to their limited collection, so captive-bred options are always in demand.

This is one of the more "reef safe with caution" large angelfish species, but highly risk averse reefers may want to avoid them, still, since some individuals develop a taste for Zoas, LPS corals, clams, etc. as they age. Reefers report, however, that captive bred Goldflakes are even less likely to eat coral than their wild counterparts, even as adults. 

Some Goldflakes can grow up to 9," so they do best in a 120 gallon or larger aquarium as adults. Our young Goldflakes of course can be grown in smaller tanks. It's always wise to add new fish to your aquarium using an acclimation box since they are small on arrival. These fish can become territorial as they age, so it is important to be strategic with future inhabitants once added.

Wild caught Goldflake Angelfish are notoriously picky eaters when first introduced to a new aquarium. Captive bred Goldflakes are much easier to feed and hardier. We recommend a variety of angelfish diets which contain sponge and algae, frozen mysis, Easy Reefs DKI pellets and Masstick.

Care

This species does best when kept in a mature, stable aquarium with lots of rock work for hiding and grazing. If you plan to quarantine your new angelfish, take a look at our article about how to keep the parameters stable and the tank free of detritus and organic matter at all times in a quarantine tank. You can also use an acrylic acclimation box to introduce these small fish to your display aquarium. Please also be sure to follow our important acclimation procedure.