Apolemichthys trimaculatus

Apolemichthys trimaculatus, commonly known as the Threespot angelfish, is a medium-large angelfish. As juveniles these fish are all yellow with three black spots (hence the name). One in the eye, one just above it and a large one near the tail, probably to confuse predators. They live quite deep and aren't often seen until they get older. Once the get older they lose the large third spot and develop a purplish-blue mouth. The anal fin will also change colour from yellow to halfblack and half white. They look very similar to xanthopunctatus, but as adults trimaculatus remains bright yellow and doesn't develop the black fins and gold spots xanthopunctatus does.

As they get older they move to the higher reefs and feed mainly on sponges and tunicates there. This is also why wild caught specimens are hard to wean to the food we give in our aquaria. They transition easiest to a tank with a lot of sponges in it. Tank bred fish are a way easier to keep with this fish! Once adapted they're real omnivores eating anything from algae to meaty foods like mussel and shrimp, but probably need some sponges in their diet as well to really thrive. This fish also known to nibble on hard and soft corals as well as clam mantles, so certainly not reef safe!