Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Cream Angel

The Cream Angel is a striking marine angelfish recognised for its cream to pale grey body, dark brown to black rear section and bright yellow tail. Blue highlights around the face and fins add further contrast, making this species a beautiful feature fish for a mature marine aquarium.

Cream Angels are active fish that spend much of their time exploring live rock, caves and reef structures. They naturally graze on sponges, algae and other encrusting organisms, so a mature aquarium with established rockwork is ideal.

Like many medium-sized angelfish, they can become territorial, particularly towards other angelfish or similarly shaped fish. They are best kept as a single specimen unless housed in a very large system with carefully selected tank mates.

Cream Angels are considered reef safe with caution. Individual fish may nip at corals, sponges and other sessile invertebrates, so they are generally better suited to fish-only-with-live-rock systems or reef aquariums where some coral grazing is acceptable.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Apolemichthys xanthurus
Common Name: Cream Angel / Indian Yellowtail Angelfish
Family: Pomacanthidae
Type: Marine Fish / Angelfish
Adult Size: Approximately 15–18 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 300 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Omnivore / Sponge & Algae Feeder
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: With Caution
Suitable For: Mature marine aquariums and reef systems with suitable tank mates

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cream Angels reef safe?

They are reef safe with caution. Individual specimens may nip at corals, sponges and other sessile invertebrates.

How big does a Cream Angel get?

Cream Angels can reach approximately 15–18 cm, so they require a reasonably large aquarium with plenty of swimming and grazing space.

What do Cream Angels eat?

They naturally feed on sponges, algae and other encrusting organisms. In captivity, provide a varied diet including sponge-based angelfish foods, marine algae, Spirulina, nori, mysis shrimp and quality marine pellets.

Can Cream Angels be kept with other angelfish?

They can become territorial towards other angelfish, particularly similarly shaped species. Keeping one per aquarium is generally the safest approach unless the system is very large.

Do Cream Angels need live rock?

Yes. Mature live rock provides natural grazing opportunities, shelter and areas to explore.

Common Mistakes

Assuming they are completely reef safe
Some individuals may leave corals alone, while others develop a taste for LPS, soft corals or other sessile organisms.

Not providing sponge-based foods
Sponges are an important part of their natural diet, so variety is important.

Keeping them in an undersized aquarium
They are active fish and require adequate swimming space as adults.

Keeping multiple angelfish without enough space
Territorial aggression can become significant.

Adding one to an immature aquarium
Established rockwork and stable water quality are strongly preferred.