English Name: Threespot angelfish
Family: POMACANTHIDAE
Local Name: Dhon kokaamas
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 21 cm
Specimen: MRS/0092/87
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 14 spines and 16-18 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 17-19 rays. Pectoral fin with 17 rays. Body depth 1.6-1.8 in standard length.
Colour: Bright yellow; blue lips; black spot on nape above eye. Broad black margin to anal fin. Young with a black spot at base of soft dorsal fin and a dark bar through eye.
Habitat and Biology: Frequently seen on outer reef edge and reef slopes at depths of 15 m. Feeds mainly on sponges and sea squirts.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: The bright yellow Apoiemichthy’s trimacuiatus is fairly common on Maldivian reefs. It is a popular aquarium fish. The similar, but much rarer, A. armitagei is dull yellow andlacks the spot behind the eye. Instead it has a black posterior tip on the dorsal fin.