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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: vermiculated angelfish

Synonyms and Other Names: Chaetodon mesoleucus Bloch 1787, Chaetodon mesomelas Gmelin 1789

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Allen et al. (1998) describe the vermiculated angelfish as having a deep, compressed body with a small mouth. There is a triangular white patch behind the head gradually changing to a dark gray on the posterior (back) half of the body. There is a black bar through the eye. The snout is yellow as are the anterior (front) section of the dorsal fin and pelvic fins. There are two recognized forms, a yellow tailed and a gray tailed form (Steene 1977). There is a spine on the cheek which is typical of angelfishes and one of the characteristics used to distinguish them from butterflyfishes (Steene 1977).

Size: maximum size up to 18 cm total length (Allen et al. 1998)

Native Range: Western Pacific, throughout southeast Asia to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, also common along the coast of northwestern Australia, north to the Ryukyu Islands and east to Palau (Allen et al. 1998).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus is found in areas of rich coral growth on silty inner coastal reefs and lagoons (Allen et al. 1998) from 2-20 meters in depth (Steene 1977). It feeds primarily on sponges, tunicates, and filamentous algae (Myers 1999). 

The species in this family that have been studied are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as female and later changing sex into male (Randall 2005).

Means of Introduction: probable aquarium release

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Allen, G.R., R. Steene, and M. Allen. 1998. A guide to angelfishes and butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research, Australia.

Mundy, B. C.  2005. Checklist of Fishes of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Bishop Museum Bulletins in Zoology, Number 6.

Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian reef fishes: A field guide for divers and aquarists. Coral Graphics, Guam.

Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and shore fishes of the South Pacific. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Steene, R.C. 1977. Butterfly and angelfishes of the world. John Wiley and Sons, New York, USA.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, M.E.

Peer Review Date: 1/1/1900

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.