Yellowhead angelfish (Centropyge joculator)

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 2026-09-25.

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 2026-09-25.

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 2026-09-25.

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 2026-09-25.