Description

Scribbled Angelfish Female – (No Online Purchases)

The Scribbled Angelfish, or Chaetodontoplus duboulayi, is a striking marine fish known for its vibrant colours and distinct markings. Females of this species have some key differences from the males, particularly in their appearance.

Identifying a Female Scribbled Angelfish
The most notable difference between male and female Scribbled Angelfish is their pattern. While males have intricate, wavy blue lines (“scribbles”) along their flanks, females are marked with yellow or blue spots instead. Both sexes share a largely blue body with a bright yellow snout, a yellow vertical bar behind the eye, a yellow stripe along the base of the dorsal fin, and a yellow tail.

Females are also typically smaller than males and can be distinguished by their rounded tail fin, whereas males have a more pointed tail with tiny filaments. Scribbled Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning all individuals are born female and can later change to male. This transition usually occurs as they grow to a size of about five inches.

Care and Tank Requirements
Scribbled Angelfish, including females, are a popular choice for large marine aquariums. Here are some general care guidelines:

Tank Size: They require a spacious tank, with a minimum recommended size of 180 gallons (750 liters) to give them ample room to swim and graze.

Diet: As omnivores, their diet should be varied and include spirulina, marine algae, and meaty foods like mysis shrimp. They are known to feed on sponges and tunicates in the wild, so a specialized angelfish food that contains sponge material can be beneficial.

Reef Compatibility: They are generally not considered “reef safe” as they are prone to nipping at corals and clam mantles. They are better suited for a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium.

Temperament: They can be shy initially, so providing plenty of hiding spots is crucial. While they can be semi-aggressive once acclimated, they should not be housed with overly aggressive tank mates.

Due to their potential for a large adult size and specific dietary needs, Scribbled Angelfish are best suited for intermediate to experienced hobbyists.

Care Level: ModerateTemperament: Semi-aggressiveColour Form: Black, Blue, YellowDiet: OmnivoreReef Compatible: With CautionWater Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4Max. Size: 10″Family: PomacanthidaeMinimum Tank Size: 180 gallons