Family : Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Black-velvet angelfish
Fish Name : Chaetodontoplus melanosoma
Max size : 20.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 9710)
Environment : reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 5 - 25 m
Climate : tropical
Global Importance : aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Indo-West Pacific: Indo-Malayan region and New Guinea , northward to southern Japan.
Diagnosis : Several similar species, easily confused. Juveniles are almost identical as in other species complexes in the genus. Most confusion is caused as color changes occur with growth that may match between different species at certain stages, especially the caudal fin pattern that maybe yellow in sub-adults on one and yellow in adults of others (Ref. 48636).
Biology : An uncommon species that inhabits coastal reefs and drop-offs (Ref. 9710) that are exposed to strong tidal currents (Ref. 48636). Juveniles on deep rubble slopes with rich invertebrate growth. Feeds on sponges and tunicates. Solitary or in pairs. Frequently exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Pyle, R.. 2001. (Ref. 48391)

India country information
Common Names : [ No common name ]
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses