Apolemichthys xanthurus

Apolemichthys xanthurus, commonly known as the Yellowtail angelfish, is a medium-sized angelfish. A. xanthurus is not as flashy coloured as many other angelfish, and when saying it has a cream-grey body with black doesn't sound very interesting. The pattern on the body is very nice to watch though and the silvery-white rim on their fins and the yellow caudal fin make it look like something special. The fact that it's one of the easier angelfishes and their small adult size make it a popular fish. Like all other angelfish it's hermaphroditic and the most dominant fish will turn into a male when there is no other male around.

These fish are quite peaceful to most other fish, except for their own genus and sometimes other angelfish. They're real omnivores and certainly not reef safe. As juveniles they usually pick on soft corals like Zoanthus and xenia, but once they mature most corals aren't safe. Small shrimps, snails and crabs can also be eaten so these fish are best housed in a fish only tank. Feed them a varied diet of algae and meaty foods to make them really happy.