IntermediateSemi-AggressiveNot Reef Safe

Singapore Angel

Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus

Family: Pomacanthidae · Large Angelfish

Also known as: Singapore Angelfish, Vermiculated Angelfish, Red Sea Angelfish

Max Size

Min Tank

125 gal

Lifespan

8-12 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Omnivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Singapore Angel is a modestly sized but beautifully patterned angelfish that features a striking two-tone color scheme. The anterior portion of the body displays a bright yellow to golden head and chest, while the posterior half transitions to a dark gray to black body. A thin white vertical band separates the two color zones. The caudal fin is yellow, and the dorsal and anal fins show blue edging. This clean, high-contrast color pattern makes it an attractive addition to fish-only marine aquariums.

This species is one of the more affordable and available members of the Chaetodontoplus genus, making it more accessible to intermediate aquarists compared to its rarer relatives. It adapts reasonably well to captive conditions, though new imports may be shy initially and reluctant to accept prepared foods. Offering frozen mysis shrimp and live brine shrimp can help coax reluctant feeders. Once feeding is established, the Singapore Angel becomes a confident and active aquarium inhabitant.

A 125-gallon aquarium is recommended as the minimum for the Singapore Angel, which reaches approximately 7 inches in captivity. It is not considered reef-safe and will nip at corals, sponges, and clam mantles. Its semi-aggressive temperament makes it compatible with a range of community fish, though it should not be housed with other angelfish in standard-sized tanks.

Feeding & Diet

Omnivore

Singapore Angels are omnivores that feed on sponges, tunicates, algae, and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, offer angelfish preparations containing marine sponge, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, Spirulina flakes, and nori seaweed. New specimens may be picky initially but usually accept frozen foods within a week. Feed two to three times daily.

Compatibility

not-reef-safesemi-aggressivecommunity-compatiblecoral-nipperfish-only-preferred

The Singapore Angel is semi-aggressive and territorial toward other angelfish and similarly shaped species. It coexists well with tangs, wrasses, and other community species that are not angelfish. Only one per tank unless the system is very large. Not reef-safe. Generally peaceful toward dissimilar tankmates but will defend its territory.

Check Compatibility

Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Singapore Angels have not been bred in home aquariums. Like other Chaetodontoplus species, they are believed to form haremic groups in the wild. Captive breeding has not been achieved due to challenges in pairing and the extended pelagic larval phase.