**Black Velvet Angelfish - Chaetodontoplus melanosoma**

The **Black Velvet Angelfish** is a striking and distinctive black angelfish. These fish are predominantly black with a grayish area around their heads that extends to their upper body. Juveniles display a more noticeable yellow stripe behind their eyes and additional yellow on their fins.

As adults, **Black Velvet Angelfish** can grow up to 7 inches and require a minimum tank size of 125 gallons. They thrive in environments with plenty of established rock for grazing and hiding when startled. These angelfish are naturally shy and need the ability to retreat from aggressive or stressful situations.

While not ideal for reef tanks, as they may nip at both soft and hard corals and invertebrates like clams, some aquarists have successfully kept **Black Velvet Angelfish** in such settings, though it largely depends on individual temperament.

Being omnivores, **Black Velvet Angelfish** require a diet rich in both plant and animal matter. Offer them foods like spirulina, sponges, mysis and brine shrimp, along with high-quality flake and pellet foods, to ensure their growth and health.

• Maximum Size: 7 inches
  Tank Requirement: 125 Gallons
  Temperament: Semi-aggressive
  Color: Black, Gray, Yellow
  Dietary Needs: Omnivore
  Natural Habitat: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
  Reef Suitability: Cautiously Compatible
  Skill Level: Intermediate
  Water Parameters: 74-82F, SG 1.020-1.027, pH 7.9-8.5
  Alternate Names: Gray Poma Angelfish, Black Velvet Angel, Gray Poma Angel, Yellowtail Poma Angelfish

Size Categories: Tiny: Up to 2 inches, Small: Over 2-2.5 inches, Small/Medium: Over 2.5-3.5 inches, Medium: Over 3.5-4.5 inches, Medium/Large: Over 4.5-5.5 inches, Large: Over 5.5-6.5 inches, Extra Large: Over 6.5-7.5 inches, Extra Extra Large: Over 7.5-8.5 inches, Show Size: Over 8.5-10.5 inches, Jumbo: Over 10.5 inches