Cream Angelfish

Cream Angelfish

The Cream Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthurus), also called the Indian yellowtail or smoke angelfish, is an attractive mid-size marine angel from the Indian Ocean. Its creamy grey-brown body, finely scaled and edged with subtle blue around the face and fins, is set off by a bright yellow tail. Hardy and relatively adaptable compared with some of its sponge-dependent relatives, it is a good introduction to the Apolemichthys angels for the experienced marine keeper.

Like other angels in the genus, its diet and reef compatibility need consideration, but it is among the more forgiving choices.

Natural Habitat & Origin

Apolemichthys xanthurus is found in the Indian Ocean, particularly around Sri Lanka and India, where it lives on coral and rocky reefs, often near caves and rich invertebrate growth, grazing sponges, algae and other matter. It is usually seen alone or in pairs.

In the aquarium it appreciates a mature system with abundant live rock arranged into caves and overhangs for grazing and shelter.

Care Requirements

Maintain stable marine conditions: salinity around 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, and a temperature of about 24–26°C (75–79°F), with low nitrate and phosphate. Reaching about 15 cm (6 inches), it is best given a tank of around 280 litres (about 75 US gallons) or more with plenty of rockwork. A well-established system improves acclimation and helps keep it well fed.

Diet & Feeding

This angelfish is an omnivore whose natural diet includes sponges, algae and other invertebrate matter. Base its feeding on quality marine angelfish preparations containing sponge, supplemented with herbivore foods, spirulina, frozen mysis and enriched blends. Offer small amounts several times a day and allow natural grazing on mature live rock.

Behavior & Temperament

It is generally peaceful toward unrelated fish but can be territorial with other angels and similar competitors. Keep only one angel of this type per tank unless the system is very large, and introduce it thoughtfully so it can establish a territory. Newly imported specimens can be shy and benefit from a calm environment.

Tank Mates

Suitable companions are robust, peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish in different niches — tangs, larger wrasses, anthias and similarly sized community fish. Avoid other angels in smaller systems. In a reef, treat it with caution: like other Apolemichthys, it may nip coral polyps, soft corals and clam mantles, so it is safest in fish-only systems or reefs with hardy corals.

Breeding

Apolemichthys xanthurus is a pelagic spawner and is not bred in the home aquarium, so trade specimens are wild-collected.

Common Health Issues

Provided its diet and space are met, the Cream Angelfish is reasonably durable, but it is susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and marine velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum), especially when stressed or freshly imported. The most common pitfall is a specimen that fails to take prepared foods, so choose a feeding fish and offer a sponge-inclusive diet. Quarantine new arrivals and maintain pristine, stable water quality for the best long-term results.