Yellowhead angelfish (Centropyge joculator)
Source-cited species reference: taxonomy from WoRMS, biology from FishBase, occurrence map from GBIF, conservation from IUCN Red List.
Yellowhead angelfish (Centropyge joculator) is a marine species in the family Pomacanthidae (Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes), recorded in the World Register of Marine Species as Centropyge joculator Smith-Vaniz & Randall, 1974 under AphiaID 278840.
- Scientific name
- Centropyge joculator
- Authority
- Smith-Vaniz & Randall, 1974
- Family
- Pomacanthidae
- Order
- Acanthuriformes
- Maximum length
- 9 cm
- Depth range
- 8–70 m
- Habitat zone
- reef-associated
- Iucn red list
- Least Concern
- Gbif occurrence records
- 50
Classification (WoRMS)
Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Acanthuriformes · Family: Pomacanthidae · Genus: Centropyge.
Accepted name: Centropyge joculator · Authority: Smith-Vaniz & Randall, 1974 · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 278840.
Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=278840 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Biology and life history (FishBase)
Measured values published by FishBase for Centropyge joculator. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.
Maximum length: 9 cm · Depth range: 8–70 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: short and / or deep · Vulnerability index: 10 of 100 · Fishery importance: commercial · Aquarium trade: commercial.
FishBase notes: Found in coral and rubble areas on steep outer reef slopes. Solitary or in small groups of four to five individuals.
Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 10997) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Centropyge-joculator.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)
50 georeferenced occurrence records for Centropyge joculator are published through GBIF from 2 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 2 distinct locations from a sample of 50 records; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.
Most records by country or area: Christmas Island (36); Cocos (Keeling) Islands (14).
Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2396526) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2396526&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=278840 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Conservation status (IUCN Red List)
The IUCN Red List assesses Centropyge joculator Smith-Vaniz & Randall, 1974 as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.
Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 165890) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/165890/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2396526) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2396526/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yellowhead angelfish?
The Yellowhead angelfish is a small marine fish in the angelfish family Pomacanthidae, formally named Centropyge joculator by Smith-Vaniz and Randall in 1974. It is listed in the World Register of Marine Species under AphiaID 278840.
How large does a Yellowhead angelfish grow?
This species tops out at roughly 9 centimeters in total length, which is characteristic of the smaller Centropyge genus members. Its compact build makes it a manageable subject for reef-keeping enthusiasts and field researchers alike.
At what depths can you find the Yellowhead angelfish?
It has been recorded living between 8 and 70 meters below the surface, spanning both shallow reef crests and deeper slope habitats. This range places it squarely within the zone where many reef-dwelling angelfishes forage.
Where does Centropyge joculator sit in the fish taxonomy?
It belongs to the family Pomacanthidae within the order Acanthuriformes, class Teleostei, and phylum Chordata. The original description was published by Smith-Vaniz and Randall in 1974, and its WoRMS record carries AphiaID 278840.
Why do reef hobbyists and marine biologists care about this species?
Its small maximum size of 9 cm combined with a depth window of 8–70 m makes it a distinctive, study-friendly member of the angelfish family. As a Centropyge, it also serves as a useful reference point when comparing coloration and behavior across the genus.
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced