A hybrid between a Flagfin and a Cream Angelfish has arrived at a UK marine store. The Apolemichthys trimaculatus/xanthurus cross was once thought to be its own distinct species, Apolemichthys armitagei, but experts have since relegated it from separate species status to that of a hybrid of the two Angels mentioned above. The Flagfin or Three spot angel is wide-ranging, occurring everywhere from East Africa to India, The Indo-West Pacific, Australia, Southern Japan, and Samoa. The Cream angel inhabits the Western Indian Ocean, with hybrids of the two species previously reported from Mauritius and the Seychelles.
Despite their wide availability and relatively low price, Flagfin angels are difficult to maintain in captivity, their preferred diet in nature being sponges. Flagfin hybrids are much more accommodating however with one kept by Richard Pyle in the 1980’s readily accepting flake food and the one we’re featuring here, already gobbling down RS Mysis and frozen brineshrimp.
Being hybrids, Armitage angels vary in looks and coloration with some resembling a Flagfin in the main, while others have more Cream angel characteristics. This specimen features the prominent black margin on the anal fin, bluish snout and black blotch on the head of the Flagin, but the dark facial mask of the Cream angel. The pattern may continue to develop as this current 4-5” fish reaches maturity.
Scott Michael’s excellent book Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes features both an Apolemichthys trimaculatus/xanthurus cross and an Apolemichthys trimaculatus/kingi cross. Of the Armitage angel Scott says they are not uncommon, although this is only the second one we’ve seen in eight years, and with Angel hybrids definitely being hot right now, it’s worthy of inclusion here. The store is based in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, and is offering the fish for sale at £899/$1070.
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