🐠 Scribbled Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus duboulayi)
Marine Angelfish • Reef Grazing • Display Species • Indo-Pacific Beauty
 
📋 The Scribbled Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus duboulayi) is a visually striking and sophisticated marine species prized in advanced aquaria. Its body is predominately rich blue to black, covered with fine wavy “scribble-line” markings, a bright yellow snout and fins, and a broad yellow vertical bar behind the eye with a white gill cover.
Juveniles and sub-adults show bold, contrasting patterns, while adults develop deeper tones and more refined scribble-markings. In the wild, it inhabits rubble-rich and soft bottom reef zones where sponges and tunicates form its major diet.
As a centerpiece species, it adds elegance and movement, but due to its diet and size it is best kept in a fish-only or FOWLR system rather than a delicate coral reef with many soft/sessile invertebrates. This species thrives in mature systems with ample space, strong water movement, and steady feeding of sponge-rich foods.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Striking “scribbled” patterning: unique wavy lines and vivid yellow accents
⚪ Sophisticated coloration and size: grows to ~28 cm (~11")
📏 Display-worthy: dominant mid-sized angelfish with presence
✅ Improving captive bred availability: more hardy specimens becoming available
🐠 Fine choice for advanced FOWLR setups: bold, elegant and active