Conspicuous Angelfish

The Conspicuous Angelfish is one of the rarest and most sought-after angelfish in the marine aquarium hobby, commanding extraordinary prices that can reach several thousand dollars for a single specimen. Its dark navy-blue to black body is marked with a distinctive bright yellow ring or spectacle-like marking around each eye, creating the appearance that gives it the alternate name Spectacled Angelfish. The anal fin features a bold yellow edge, and the overall combination of dark body and vivid yellow accents creates a uniquely elegant appearance.

This species has an extremely limited natural range, found primarily around Lord Howe Island, the southern Great Barrier Reef, and New Caledonia. Its restricted distribution, combined with strict Australian export regulations, makes the Conspicuous Angelfish one of the most expensive and difficult to obtain marine aquarium fish in the world. Specimens that do appear on the market are typically sourced through very limited collection permits and are reserved for the most dedicated collectors.

Reaching approximately 10 inches in captivity, the Conspicuous Angelfish requires a minimum tank size of 150 gallons with pristine water quality and a carefully planned environment. It should be housed with caution in reef systems, as it may pick at some coral species and invertebrates. This species can be challenging to acclimate and requires patient feeding training with high-quality foods. Despite its demanding nature and extreme cost, successfully keeping a Conspicuous Angelfish is considered the pinnacle of achievement among large angelfish enthusiasts.