Grey Poma Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus poliourus)

The Grey Poma Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus poliourus) is an attractive and infrequently available angel from the subtropical waters around Japan and the northwestern Pacific. Its mottled grey body with subtle darker blotching is offset by a distinctly bright yellow caudal fin and a characteristically pale, almost white face — a combination that gives it a refined, understated elegance quite different from the vivid tropical color schemes of most marine angels. Its subtropical origin means it requires cooler temperatures than the majority of reef fish — no higher than 25°C — making it unsuitable for standard tropical reef setups but ideal for aquarists maintaining species-appropriate subtropical FOWLR systems. Prized by dedicated collectors for its rarity and distinctive appearance.

Maintain at subtropical temperatures of 20–25°C in a spacious FOWLR system of at least 450 liters. Avoid standard tropical reef temperatures above 26°C which stress this species over time. Provide abundant live rock for grazing on microalgae and hiding. Feed a varied diet of marine flake, frozen mysis, sponge-enriched angel preparations, and spirulina. Keep only one per tank; can be territorial toward similar-sized angels.