The coloration of the Cortez Angelfish varies markedly from juvenile to adult. The juvenile stage is black with yellow and blue semi-circular striping radiating from the tail. As an adult, the Cortez Angelfish is blue, with a pale, speckled mid-section and a swipe of vertical yellow just behind the head. The long, dorsal fin is a green-blue while the head is blue with yet another yellow vertical swipe just behind the eye.

The Cortez Angelfish requires at least a 250 gallon tank, and should be the only angelfish in the tank, even as juveniles. Not a good candidate for a reef tank, the Cortez Angelfish eat sponges, and will also consume stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles.

It should be provided with a diet of Spirulina, marine algae, shrimp and other meaty items, and high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponges.