Apolemichthys trimaculatus (Cuvier, 1831)
Threespot angelfish
Apolemichthys trimaculatus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  26 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 60 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: East Africa south to 28°S (Ref. 33390) and east to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-18; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-19. Description: Body short and deep, and strongly compressed. Preorbital bone convex and without strong spines. Overall color is bright yellow with a broad black band on the edge of the anal fin and a broad white zone above it. A black spot is on the forehead and a ocellated dark spot just behind the head; the lips are blue. Juveniles have a false eye-spot at the base of the soft dorsal fin and a thin black line over the head, running through the eye (Ref. 48636). Body depth 1.6-1.8 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 38-47 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710); found near coral (Ref. 5953). Feeds mainly on sponges and tunicates (Ref. 1602). Juveniles secretive and occur below 25 m (Ref. 37816). Adults in small but loose groups at moderate depths (Ref. 48636). Frequently exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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