Personifer Angel
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Personifier Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus meredithi)
Overview
The Personifier Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus meredithi) is a rare and striking marine angelfish endemic to the western Pacific, particularly around Australia’s northern reefs. Known for its unique facial patterning reminiscent of a mask, it features a dark body with bright highlights and contrasting fin markings, giving it a “personified” appearance.
This species is semi-shy and mid-water oriented, preferring reefs with ample hiding spaces and well-established live rock. Due to its rarity, delicate nature, and specialized care requirements, it is considered suitable only for advanced marine aquarists.
Aquarium Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 400–500 litres (105–130 US gallons)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: < 10 ppm
Aquascape:
Provide a mature reef environment with ample live rock, caves, and crevices for hiding. Moderate water flow and open mid-water swimming areas are essential. Juveniles are especially shy and benefit from shaded areas during acclimation.
Stable water conditions and excellent oxygenation are critical for the health and coloration of this species.
Diet and Feeding
The Personifier Angelfish is omnivorous, naturally feeding on sponges, tunicates, algae, and small invertebrates.
Recommended Foods:
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Sponge- and algae-enriched frozen angelfish diets
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Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood (clam, scallop, squid)
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Spirulina- or algae-based flakes or pellets
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Grazing on live rock to mimic natural foraging behavior
Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Nutritional variety and sponge supplementation are critical to prevent malnutrition and maintain vibrant coloration.
Temperament and Compatibility
This species is peaceful but shy, often retreating to crevices when stressed.
Suitable Tankmates:
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Peaceful species such as tangs, wrasses, butterflyfish, and clownfish
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Other angelfish in very large tanks where territories can be established
Avoid:
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Aggressive, territorial species that could outcompete or harass this angelfish
Adults generally become more confident once acclimated, but juveniles remain reclusive and need protection from aggressive tankmates.
Reef Compatibility
✅ Generally Reef Safe (with caution)
The Personifier Angelfish is mostly reef compatible if provided with a nutritionally adequate diet. Natural grazing habits may occasionally target sessile invertebrates if sponge-based foods are insufficient.
Best Practices:
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Introduce into a mature reef aquarium with abundant live rock
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Supplement with sponge- and algae-rich diets to minimize coral or invertebrate nipping
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Provide ample hiding spaces for juveniles
Additional Information
Maximum Size: 25–28 cm (10–11 inches)
Lifespan: 12–15 years with proper care
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Natural Behavior: Semi-shy, mid-water grazer; juveniles often secretive, adults more confident
Origin: Western Pacific – northern Australian reefs
Coloration: Dark body with contrasting fin highlights; unique facial mask-like markings
Summary
The Personifier Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus meredithi) is a rare, mid-water reef angelfish suitable for experienced marine aquarists. Juveniles require ample hiding spaces, stable water parameters, and a sponge- and algae-rich diet. With proper care, they mature into confident, vibrantly colored adults that are mostly reef safe and maintain natural grazing behaviors for over a decade.
| SKU | Personifer Angel |
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