Adult Grey Poma Angelfish Chaetodontoplus melanosoma

Adult Grey Poma Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus melanosoma)

Hobbyists also call the adult grey poma angelfish the black velvet angelfish. This beautiful species adds bold contrast and elegance to a large marine display. Its smoky to greyish-black body contrasts with a bright yellow face. It features brilliant yellow highlights on the fins. This look represents a beautiful transition from its banded juvenile stage to its elegant adult coloration. They can show territorial behavior toward other angels. Keep them singly for the best results. However, they make exceptional centerpieces alongside other active, larger, semi-aggressive community fish.

Aquarium Setup & Space Requirements for the Poma Angelfish

An adult Poma Angelfish swims actively. We highly recommend a mature aquarium of at least 120 gallons to support their growth. Design the tank layout with extensive rockwork, large caves, arches, and overhangs. These structures allow this deep-water native to seek shelter when acclimating. They also help the fish establish its territory safely. Maintain stable water parameters with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4. Keep the specific gravity at 1.020 to 1.025. Maintain the temperature between 72°F and 78°F.

Nutritional Needs & Feeding Schedule

In the wild, these angelfish graze continuously on sponge material, tunicates, and macroalgae. Feed them three times daily with a highly varied diet. This schedule maintains their rich velvet coloration and robust health in captivity. Offer high-quality, sponge-based angelfish preparations and spirulina. Supplement these meals with marine algae, mysis, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp.

Reef Compatibility & Temperament

Hobbyists do not consider the Poma Angelfish reef-safe. They are notorious nippers. They will readily pick at soft corals, stony corals, sessile invertebrates, and clam mantles. Because of this, keep them in a dedicated Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) system. They behave peacefully toward unrelated tank mates like large wrasses, tangs, and cardinalfish. However, they will show aggressive territorial behavior toward similar-looking species or other angelfish.

Poma Angelfish Care Profile & Parameters

• Common Names: Grey Poma Angelfish, Black Velvet Angelfish, Gray Angelfish

• Scientific Name: Chaetodontoplus melanosoma

• Care Level: Moderate (requires an established system and frequent feeding)

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (territorial toward other angelfish)

• Reef Compatibility: No (known to nip at corals, sessile invertebrates, and clams)

• Minimum Tank Size: 120 Gallons

• Water Temperature: 72–78°F

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• pH Range: 8.1–8.4

• Carbonate Hardness: 8–12 dKH