Description

Cream Angelfish – Apolemichthys xanthurus

The Cream Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthurus), also known as the Indian Yellowtail Angelfish, is an attractive marine angelfish native to the Indian Ocean. Its creamy body features a delicate dark lattice pattern, complemented by contrasting black fins and a bright yellow tail.

Growing to approximately 15–20cm, the Cream Angelfish is one of the hardier members of its genus. Although initially shy, it usually becomes confident once settled, spending much of its time exploring rockwork and grazing for food.

Cream Angelfish Set Up

The Cream Angelfish requires a spacious, mature marine aquarium with plenty of established rockwork. We recommend an aquarium of at least 450 litres for an adult, with larger systems preferable.

Provide caves and overhangs where the fish can retreat when startled, alongside plenty of open swimming space. Mature rockwork also offers natural grazing opportunities throughout the day.

This species is best suited to a fish-only marine aquarium with live rock rather than a traditional reef setup.

Cream Angelfish Behaviour

Cream Angelfish are generally less aggressive than many larger marine angels, although they can still become territorial.

New arrivals may spend their first few days hiding among the rockwork. Once comfortable, they usually become active and inquisitive aquarium inhabitants.

We recommend keeping a single Cream Angelfish per aquarium. Other angelfish, particularly similar-looking species, may provoke territorial disputes.

Cream Angelfish Tank Mates

Suitable companions include moderately confident marine fish that are unlikely to bully this fish or be intimidated by it.

Peaceful but very timid species may struggle with a territorial individual, while other angelfish should generally be avoided.

Careful stocking and plenty of hiding places will help reduce aggression.

Feeding

The Cream Angelfish is an omnivore that naturally grazes on algae, sponges and other small marine organisms.

A varied aquarium diet should include:

• Specialist marine angelfish foods containing sponge material

• Frozen mysis shrimp

• Enriched brineshrimp

• Spirulina-based foods

• Marine algae and seaweed

• Quality marine pellets and frozen preparations

Offer several small meals throughout the day, particularly when introducing a new specimen.

Is the Cream Angelfish Reef Safe?

No — not reliably reef safe.

Cream Angelfish may nip at soft corals, stony corals, clam mantles and other sessile invertebrates.

Although individual behaviour varies, this species is much better suited to a fish-only marine aquarium with live rock.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 23–27°C pH: 8.1–8.4 Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026 Alkalinity: Approximately 8–12 dKH

Stable water conditions and good biological filtration are important for long-term health.

Care Level

Intermediate

The Cream Angelfish is relatively hardy once established, but its adult size, specialised feeding requirements and territorial behaviour make it better suited to fishkeepers with some marine experience.

Given sufficient space, a varied diet and suitable tank mates, it can become a striking and rewarding aquarium resident.

This species is strictly for marine aquariums and must not be kept in freshwater (tropical or coldwater) or terrestrial environments, as they will not survive outside of saltwater conditions.

If you have any questions about keeping this fish , please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and advise on best practice.

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