Chaetodontoplus meredithi
Spot Meredith's Angelfish in Queensland, Australia, in water from 19 to 27°C. Learn how to identify it and where divers most commonly log sightings.
Meredith's angelfish is a member of the large-bodied angelfish group, recognisable by its striking combination of a dark, near-black body with a vivid yellow rear section covering the posterior flanks, dorsal fin, and tail. The face and nape are pale to yellowish, contrasting sharply with the dark mid-body, giving it a two-tone appearance that stands out against the reef. Juveniles are dramatically different, displaying a white body with bold black spots and circular black markings, resembling a completely different species.
Meredith's angelfish tends to be a cautious reef resident, typically seen moving along coral-rich slopes and drop-offs, often close to structural cover such as ledges or coral heads. Like most large angelfish, it is generally wary of divers and will keep a comfortable distance, so slow, non-threatening approaches work best. Sightings are typically of solitary individuals browsing the reef.
The juvenile colouration is so radically different from the adult's that it has historically caused confusion in identification, and transitional sub-adults show a fascinating patchwork blend of juvenile spots and adult two-tone patterning.
There is not enough monthly sighting data to point to a peak season, so it is best treated as a year-round target. The observed water temperature range of roughly 20 to 27°C reflects Queensland's subtropical to tropical reef conditions throughout the year.
Reef neighbours a diver could mistake it for. Use the identification notes above to tell them apart.
All recorded sightings come from Australia, with every logged site falling within Queensland. This makes Queensland reef systems, including those along the Great Barrier Reef coast, the go-to destination for any diver hoping to find this species.
Mapping where Meredith's Angelfish is logged…
Meredith's angelfish is found exclusively in Australian waters based on diver observations, with all known sites in Queensland. Reef diving along the Queensland coast, particularly in Great Barrier Reef areas, gives you the best shot at an encounter.
There is no clearly defined peak season from the available data, so it can be treated as a year-round species. Queensland's reef temperatures, ranging from around 20 to 27°C, support the species across all seasons.
Look for a large angelfish with a dark, near-black mid-body that transitions to a bright yellow rear half, tail, and posterior dorsal fin, with a pale or yellowish face. That bold two-tone contrast is the key underwater marker. Juveniles look completely different, with a white body covered in black spots.
No, Meredith's angelfish poses no threat to divers. Like most angelfish, it is shy and will move away if approached too quickly, so the main challenge is getting close enough for a good look rather than keeping safe.
Site and sighting data is aggregated from diver logs, iNaturalist and GBIF. For taxonomy and conservation status:
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