Gold Tail Angel - Pomacanthus chrysurus

Gold Tail Angel (Pomacanthus chrysurus)

The Gold Tail Angel is a striking large marine angelfish recognised for its dark body, intricate pale patterning and distinctive golden-yellow tail. Bold, intelligent and highly impressive as it matures, it makes a commanding centrepiece for a spacious marine aquarium. Like many large angelfish, it should be considered reef safe with caution due to the possibility of nipping at corals, clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates.

Common Name:
Gold Tail Angel, Goldtail Angelfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pomacanthus chrysurus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 30–35 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Gold Tail Angel is associated with tropical western Indian Ocean reef environments, where it inhabits coral-rich reefs, rocky slopes and areas containing substantial caves and reef structure.

It spends much of its time moving through established reef areas while grazing and searching for food across rock surfaces.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Gold Tail Angel can become territorial, particularly towards other large angelfish or similarly shaped fish.

It is best housed with confident, suitably robust marine tankmates that can tolerate its assertive behaviour.

Diet:
Omnivore / Grazer

The Gold Tail Angel naturally feeds on a mixture of sponges, algae, tunicates and other reef-associated foods.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including quality angelfish preparations containing sponge, marine algae, spirulina-based foods, frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and suitable marine pellets.

Regular varied feeding is important for maintaining strong colouration and healthy body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 700 litres

A spacious aquarium with substantial rockwork and plenty of open swimming room is recommended due to its adult size and active nature.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Gold Tail Angel is an active and intelligent reef-dwelling fish that spends much of the day moving between rockwork, caves and open swimming areas.

It appreciates a complex aquascape with plenty of sheltered spaces and visual barriers.

Once established, it usually becomes bold, visible and highly responsive at feeding time.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Gold Tail Angel should be considered reef safe with caution.

It may nip at fleshy corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates.

Individual behaviour can vary, but it is generally better suited to carefully planned reef systems or fish-only marine aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, strong filtration and excellent oxygenation.

Substantial established rockwork should be provided for grazing, shelter and territorial boundaries.

A varied diet containing sponge-based foods and marine vegetable matter is strongly recommended.

Avoid housing multiple large angelfish together unless the aquarium is sufficiently spacious and provides extensive visual barriers.

Monitor new specimens carefully to ensure they are feeding consistently and maintaining good body condition.

Stable water quality and regular feeding are essential for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.