
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apolemichthys trimaculatus
A lemon-yellow angelfish with bright blue "lipstick" lips, a blue-black spot where the head meets the body and a pale tan spot behind the eye.
The threespot or flagfin angelfish (Apolemichthys trimaculatus) ranges across the Indo-West Pacific from East Africa (to 28°S) east to Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to Australia (FishBase), reaching 26 cm TL. It is bright yellow with blue-edged lips, a blue-black spot where the head joins the body and a pale tan spot behind the eye. It lives on lagoon and seaward reef slopes; adults feed mainly on sponges and tunicates, and juveniles live secretively below 25 m. Because its natural diet is sponge, some fish are slow to accept prepared foods; both Saltcorner and LiveAquaria recommend a mix of sponge-containing angelfish foods, frozen foods and algae. It nips corals and clam mantles, so keep it in a fish-only tank. It is among the less aggressive angelfishes but is shy at first. Japanese specialist shops stock it regularly.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Threespot angelfish grows to Up to 26 cm TL (FishBase).
The ideal temperature for the Threespot angelfish is 22〜29℃.
Origin
Indo-West Pacific (East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to Australia)
Lifespan
Little data available
Size
Up to 26 cm TL (FishBase)
Temperature
Sources: FishBase (Apolemichthys trimaculatus) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans) / LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
22〜29℃
Omnivore (mainly sponges and tunicates)
22-29°C, specific gravity 1.020-1.026 (Saltcorner).
About 570 L (150 gallons) or more. It is shy, so provide plenty of caves and hiding places, and keep it as the only angelfish.
Keep it as the only angelfish, in a fish-only tank.
It nips stony corals (LPS and SPS), soft corals and clam mantles, so it is not reef-safe.
Its staple is sponges and tunicates and some fish are slow to take prepared foods. Combine sponge-containing frozen angelfish foods, brine shrimp, mysis and algae-based foods.
Getting it to eat is the main challenge, so confirm it is taking prepared food before buying. Use a container rather than a net, as the cheek spine snags.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Threespot angelfish is 22〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Threespot angelfish typically reaches Up to 26 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Threespot angelfish feeds on: Omnivore (mainly sponges and tunicates). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Threespot angelfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026