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Angelfish Compatibility : 

 

Saltwater Angelfish are territorial and can be very aggressive fish. These fish will quarrel with their own species, and most often will not tolerate any other species. There are different levels of aggression, depending on the species, but it is generally it is best to keep just a single specimen. When combining different types of fish, try adding the angelfish last. Introducing new fish to an established community can cause territorial disputes.

 

 - Small Dwarf Angel or Pygmy Angels, Centropyge species, can do well in a community fish tank with other non-aggressive fish. Some of the medium sized angels, like those from the Chaetodontoplus and Genicanthus genera, and a few others mid-sized species are also suited to a community setting. Tank mates that do well with these marine angels include Butterflyfish, Anthias, Gobies and Blennies, and similar non-related species.

 

- Larger saltwater angelfish, notable those from the Holacanthus and Pomacanthus genera, are territorial and more aggressive. They should be housed with other fish that also have a more aggressive temperament. Damsels, Triggerfish, Hawkfish, Tangs, Groupers and Eels can make good companions.

 

Mixing different species of angelfish almost never works. There are a few exceptions, but only in a large aquarium. Some that can be housed as pairs or perhaps a small harem include:

 

  • Lemonpeel Angelfish Centropyge flavissimus

  • Cherub Angelfish Centropyge argi

  • Blackspot Angelfish Genicanthus melanospilos

  • Herald's Angelfish Centropye heraldi

  • Bicolor Angelfish Centropyge bicolor

 

 - Large Species: Aquarium Size: 100 - 300 gallons

Holacanthus - The King and Queen angelfish are the best known examples of this genus, they generally eat sponges and therefore are more difficult to keep healthy in an aquarium.

Pomacanthus - In the wild these angels eat mostly sponges and tunicates. Plankton eaters.

 - Medium Species: Aquarium Size: 55 - 100 gallons:

Apolemichthys - In the wild these angels eat mostly sponges and tunicates. Plankton eaters.

Chaetodontoplus - In the wild these angels eat mostly sponges and tunicates (sea squirts).

Genicanthus

Pygoplites

Angelfish Aquariums : 

 

Saltwater angelfish are prized for their unique shape and exotic colors. They are also favored for their intelligent behavior, seeming to recognize their owner. Yet successfully keeping angelfish aquariums depends on a number of factors. It's important to select the right angelfish for your particular tank size and set-up, and provide the right foods for that particular species. Many angelfish are not considered reef safe. Tank mates must also be compatible.

 

Angelfish are grazers, constantly looking for food. Depending on the species, some will snack on micro and filamentous algae, and some will nibble on macro algae. They are best introduced into an established saltwater aquarium, and one with good algae growth. Live rock housing small crustaceans is also beneficial.

 

Angelfish must be willing to accept new foods in their diet in order to survive in an aquarium and are therefore considered difficult to keep. Feeding a large variety of foods is important in order to entice them into eating. Once feeding is accomplished, they can survive for long periods of time in captivity.

 

Most angelfish, except the Pygmies (Centropyge) are sponge and tunicate eaters. This makes them hard to acclimate since these foods are generally not included in prepared fish foods. Several sponge-based frozen foods are now available and should be fed to certain angelfish especially those of the genus Holocanthus.

 

Angelfish Habitat:

 

The smaller angelfish species are popular with many aquarists because they require less space and are relatively hardy. Many of the smaller angels (Centropyge) can be housed in a reef but may become destructive with age. Larger angelfish, on the other hand can provide a very impressive showcase but require a much larger tank, and many are very territorial and aggressive fish.

 

 - Small Species: Aquarium Size: 20 - 55 gallons
Centropyge - The Dwarf/Pygmy Angelfish, rarely get to be over 10 cm. (4 inches) but are very beautiful and adapt well to aquarium life. In the wild they eat mostly algae.
Paracentropyge
Sumireyakko

 

​ 

Current saltwater angelfish classification:

 

  • Phylum: Chordata

  • Subphylum: Vertebrata

  • Class: Actinopterygii = Osteichthyes (Ray-Finned or Bony Fishes)

  • Order: Perciformes (Perch-Like fishes)

  • Suborder: Percoidei

  • Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)

  • Genera:

    • Apolemichthys - 8 species

    • Centropyge - 32 species

    • Chaetodontoplus - 14 species

    • Genicanthus - 9 species

    • Holacanthus - 8 species (9 species if you include H. isabelita as valid)

    • Paracentropyge - monotypic

    • Pomacanthus - 13 species

    • Pygoplites - monotypic

    • Sumireyakko - monotypic

Saltwater Angelfish are truly an aquarist's inspiration, few fish rival their beauty and majesty!

 

Marine Angelfish are remarkable creatures and some of the most alluring of all fish. They have an elegant form, graceful movement, and often display beautiful vibrant colors. Their bodies are compressed laterally, a flat disc-like form that allows them to slip between rocky outcroppings and reef crevices. They come in all shapes and sizes, and although they can be very showy, their coloration actually helps them blend with the patterns and shadows of the reef.

 

Saltwater angelfish vary considerably in their care requirements, and with wild caught specimens, acclimating them to the aquarium can be a challenge. Yet once established they are relatively hardy, making these exquisite specimens highly desirable. Angelfish do tend to become very territorial as they mature, so it is generally recommended to keep only a single specimen.

 

Many feed only on sponge and tunicate, and adult specimens may become destructive to a reef. There are prepared angel formulas containing sponge, but it can often be difficult to get an angel to accept new foods. However once an angelfish is feeding it can live for many years. An example is the aquarium in Nancy, France, which has successfully kept several specimens of saltwater angelfish for over 20 years.

 

The list of saltwater angelfish below include many aquarium fish species. Each fish guide has in-depth angelfish information about their places of origin, habitats and behaviors as well as the fish care needed for successfully keeping angelfish aquariums. Angelfish pictures are also provided within each fish guide to help with saltwater fish identification, and aid in choosing pet fish.

 

About Saltwater Angelfish: 

 

Saltwater Angelfish are found on shallow reefs in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific Oceans. The majority of the angelfish species are found in the Western Pacific, only nine species are found in the Atlantic and as few as four in the Eastern Pacific/Indian Ocean areas. The family Pomacanthidae, angelfishes, consists of 9 genera containing approximately 87 species of saltwater angelfish. They are distinguished from the similarly shaped butterflyfish by strong preopercle spines found on each of the lower gill covers of the angelfish.

 

For the most part, marine angelfish dwell among shallow reefs. They are diurnal, moving about and feeding during the daytime, and at night seeking refuge among crevices in the reef and rocky outcroppings. Many are solitary, but some are found in pairs, or living in small groups or harems consisting of a dominant male and several females. These fish are pelagic spawners. They release many tiny eggs into the planktonic water column where they float with the currents until they hatch.

 

Saltwater angelfish are very colorful and come in many sizes. As juveniles they can have a different coloration than they do as adults. These fishes are also protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they begin their life cycle as females with dominant specimens turning male. Males can also revert back to female if the social status changes. Many of the adult angelfish become territorial as they grow older and it is thought that perhaps the different coloration among the younger fish keep them from being the target of the older fish's aggression. Another interesting tidbit, some angels are also known to perform cleaner fish duties as juveniles.

 

Size wise, angelfish range from about 4 inches (10 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm) in the wild. The smallest species, those known as the Dwarf Angel or Pygmy Angel, only reach up to about 6" (15 cm). Other species are medium sized to quite large, with the largest angelfish reaching about 24" (60 cm). Marine angels all have small mouths and tail fins that are crescent-shaped, or lunate. Many angels have decorative streamers that extend from the outer tips of the tail fin and the dorsal fin.

 

Saltwater angelfish are very similar to the equally showy butterflyfishes. But angels are distinguished by their strong preopercle spines found on each of the lower gill covers, which are lacking on the butterflyfish. They are members of the Pomacanthidae family, a descriptive name for these preopercle-spine fish derived from the Greeks, with "Poma" meaning cover and "akantha" meaning thorn.

 

Saltwater Angelfish Species : 

 

Angelfish are members of the Perciformes Order, the perch-like, Ray-finned or Bony Fishes. This order of fishes originated more than 65 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, also a time of the dinosaurs. Perciformes are comprised of more than 7000 species of fish with about 155 families. The Saltwater Angelfish belong under the Pomacanthidae Family, which consists of 9 genera containing approximately 87 saltwater angelfish species.

Angelfish, Large Marine

 1-Emperor Angelfish  

Pomacanthus imperator 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 220 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1' 3"

Color Form: Black, Blue, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Africa, Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu

Family: Pomacanthidae

The adult Emperor Angelfish, also called the Imperator Angelfish, has a bold, blue body covered with bright yellow horizontal stripes culminating in a bright yellow to orange caudal fin. A striking blue-black mask covers the eyes and a similarly-colored vertical band extends from the pectoral fin two-thirds of the way up the body. This band is highlighted in a sapphire-blue in front, and bright yellow, caudally. The mouth is white.

 

The juvenile is black with circular white and blue stripes starting at the tail. Although sought after for its colors, in captivity, the adult coloration may not be as striking or brilliant. The changing angelfish will vary in coloration and pattern as it transforms from juvenile to the adult coloration.

 

The Emperor Angelfish requires a 220 gallon or larger tank with live rock for grazing and hiding. They also require extensive rockwork and deep caves to feel secure. It will nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, but may be kept with small-polyped stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals.

 

It should be fed a diet of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Juvenile Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Juvenile Large: 2-1/2" to 3"; XLarge: 3" to 3-1/2"; Changing Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4" Large: 4" to 5" Adult Small: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Adult Medium: 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"; Medium/Large: 4-1/2" to 5-1/4"; Adult Large: 5-1/4" to 6" XLarge: 6" to 7"; XXLarge: 7" to 9"; Show Size: 9" to 11"

2-Blue Girdled Angelfish

Pomacanthus navarchus 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1'

Color Form: Black, Blue, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indo-Pacific, Maldives, Solomon Islands

Family: Pomacanthidae

The Blue Girdled Angelfish, also called the Majestic Angelfish, has yellow scales with blue margins and a dark blue band, or girdle, that covers the face and extends backward. The girdle is highlighted with neon blue margins.

 

While somewhat shy, this angel is one of the easier angelfish to keep. It requires a tank of 180 gallons or more with multiple hiding places and live rock for grazing. The Blue Girdled Angelfish is not a good reef dweller, being prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It generally will not harm small-polyped stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals.

 

The diet of the Blue Girdled Angelfish should include vegetable matter such as Spirulina and marine algae, meaty items such as mysis shrimp, and high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponges.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile: Small 1-1/4" to 2", Medium 2" to 2-1/2", Large 2-1/2" to 3", Sub Adult: Small 2" to 2-1/2", Medium 2-1/2" to 3" Large 3" to 3-1/2" Adult: Small 1.5" to 2-3/4"; Small/Medium 2-3/4" to 3-1/4" Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Medium/Large: 4-1/4" to 5-1/4" Large: 5-1/4" to 6-1/4" X Large 6-1/4" to 7-1/2"

3-Blueface Angelfish  

Pomacanthus xanthometopon 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 220 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1' 3"

Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Coral Sea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Family: Pomacanthidae

Referred to variously as the Blueface, Yellowface, or Yellowmask Angelfish, the adult and juvenile Blueface Angelfish differ markedly in coloration. As a juvenile, the body is covered with alternating vertical stripes of black, white, and sapphire blue. Upon growing to approximately five inches, the juvenile begins to morph into its adult coloration of pale yellow with bluish scales and a bright-yellow pectoral fin. It has a mottled-blue face with yellow mask that extends from eye to eye but not much beyond each eye. There is also an eyespot at the caudal end of the dorsal fin.

 

A minimum of a 220 gallon tank with numerous hiding places and large amounts of live rock for grazing will offer a good environment. Not a good reef dweller, the Blueface Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. The Blueface Angelfish is best kept as the only angelfish, as it is prone to becoming territorial when it is the largest fish in the tank.

 

The diet should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. It should be fed at least three times daily.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Large: 2-1/4" to 3"; Sub Adult Small: 2" to 3"; Medium 3" to 3-3/4"; Large 3-3/4" to 4-1/2"; Adult Small: 3-3/4" to 4-1/4"; Small/Medium: 4-1/4" to 4-3/4"; Medium: 4-3/4" to 5-1/4"; Medium/Large: 5-1/4" to 6"; Large: 6" to 7"; Show Size 7" to 9"

4-Queen Angelfish

Holacanthus ciliaris 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1' 6"

Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean, Florida to Brazil, Western Atlantic

Family: Pomacanthidae

The Queen Angelfish is one of the most striking of all angelfish. Vibrant yellow and electric sapphire-blue highlights give the Queen Angelfish an almost iridescent appearance. It has a dark spot on the forehead surrounded by bright blue. The dorsal and pelvic fins are elongated.

 

With the potential of reaching an impressive 18 inches, the Queen Angelfish needs a large tank - at a minimum of 250 gallons, with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. Not a good reef dweller, the Queen Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It can be aggressive, so it must be introduced to the community tank last. A somewhat difficult angelfish to keep, Queen Angelfish often suffer from incorrect water parameters and diet.

 

The diet should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. The Queen Angelfish should be fed at least three times daily.

 

The Small Juvenile will contain the Juvenile colorations or may be color shifting to a young adult, while the Medium will be a sub-adult, and the Large will be in Adult coloration.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Large: 2-1/4" to 3-1/4"; Adult Small: 3" to 3-1/2"; Small/Medium: 3-1/2" to 4"; Medium: 4" to 4-1/2"; Medium/Large: 4-1/2" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"; X Large: 6" to 7"

5-Annularis Angelfish  

Pomacanthus annularis 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 220 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1'

Color Form: Blue, Tan, White

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Captive-Bred - Indonesia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Family: Pomacanthidae

The Annularis Angelfish is also referred to as the Blue Ring Angelfish and Blue King Angelfish due to its brilliant sapphire stripes over a predominantly brown body and whitish-blue tail.

 

A minimum of a 220 gallon tank is necessary for a single Annularis. Provide plenty of hiding places such as caves and live rock for grazing. A word of caution: this variety will nip at sessile invertebrates directly at the base such as nudibranchs, corals, and tridacnid (three-footed) clams. As such, the Annularis Angelfish would not make a good reef dweller. Considered semi-aggressive, the Annularis may become territorial once acclimated to the tank.

 

All Angelfish are considered hermaphroditic, and visibly, it is not possible to differentiate males from females.

 

The diet of the Annularis Angelfish should include vegetables, meats, and angelfish food preparations containing spongiform products. When first introduced, it may need to be offered live foods such as brine shrimp or freshly chopped seafoods to entice it to eat.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small 1" to 1 3/4" Medium 1 3/4" to 2 " Large 2" - 2 3/4" Sub Adult Medium 2 3/4" to 3" Adult Small 3" to 3 1/2" Medium: 3 1/2" to 4" Medium/Large 4" to 5" Large : 5" to 6" X Large 6" to 7" Show Size 8" to 9"

6-French Angelfish  

Pomacanthus paru 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1' 3"

Color Form: Blue, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean

Family: Pomacanthidae

The French Angelfish is one of the more popular angelfish varieties. The face is a pale, dusky-blue with eyes rimmed in yellow and white. The body is a dark, dusky-blue with yellow scale margins giving the French Angelfish a dappled appearance. A yellow smudge highlights the pectoral fin while the gill cover has a yellow rim.

 

A 250 gallon or larger tank should be provided and include large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing. Not a good candidate for a reef tank, the French Angelfish has a tendency to nip at sessile invertebrates (soft and stony corals) and clam mantles, and also tends to dominate the tank.

 

The diet of the French Angelfish should include Spirulina, marine algae, occasional high-quality angelfish preparations with added sponge matter, and mysis or frozen shrimp. It should be fed at least three times daily.

 

The Small Juvenile will contain the Juvenile colorations or may be color shifting to a young adult, while the Medium will be a sub-adult, and the Large will be in Adult coloration.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Tiny: 1/2" to 1"; Small 1" to 1 1/2" Medium 1 1/2" to 2 1/4" Large 2 1/4" to 3 1/4" Adult Small: 3" to 3-1/2"; Medium: 3-1/2" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7"

7-Passer Angelfish  

Holacanthus passer 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1' 2"

Color Form: Blue, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Central America

Family: Pomacanthidae

The Passer Angelfish is also called the King Angelfish. The adult is predominately dark blue with a white vertical stripe extending down from the dorsal fin about two-thirds of the way to the pelvic fin. The dorsal fin is rimmed in yellow. The caudal and pectoral fins are also yellow, while the ventral fins are yellow on a female, and white on the male. The juvenile is orange with one white and multiple blue stripes.

 

The Passer Angelfish can grow to over a foot in length so it requires at least a 250 gallon aquarium. It is a hardy fish, but can become aggressive, so it should be kept with other semi-aggressive tank mates. It grazes on live rock and will nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, so it is not a good candidate for a reef aquarium

 

The diet of the Passer Angelfish should include vegetable matter such as Spirulina, marine algae, meaty items, and high-quality angelfish preparations which include sponges. Feed at least three times daily.

 

The Small Juvenile will contain the Juvenile colorations, the Small-Medium will be color shifting to a young adult, while the Medium will be a sub-adult, and the Large will be in Adult coloration.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile: Small 1-1/4" to 1-3/4", Medium 1-3/4" to 2-1/4" Adult: Small: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6" XL 6" to 7" XXL 7" to 8" XXXL 8" to 10" Show 10" to 12"

8-Rock Beauty Angelfish

 Holacanthus tricolor 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Difficult

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 8"

Color Form: Black, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic

Family: Pomacanthidae

The Rock Beauty Angelfish has a body that is predominately black especially on the back half, as an adult. The head and front half portion of the body, and the caudal fin are a bright yellow. The eyes have striking sapphire-blue accents. Similar in appearance, the juvenile initially has a predominately yellow body with a large caudal black spot that just seems to enlarge, overwhelming the yellow coloration with the exception of head, body area just behind the head, and the caudal fin.

 

The Rock Beauty Angelfish is difficult to sustain in a home aquarium because of its dietary requirement of sponges. The diet in the aquarium should include vegetable matter such as marine algae and Spirulina, finely chopped meaty items, and high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponges.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4"; Small/Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7"

9-Spotbreast Angelfish

 Genicanthus melanospilos 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 9"

Color Form: Blue, Red, White, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu

Family: Pomacanthidae

With a highly-flared tail, the Spotbreast Angelfish is also referred to as the Blackspot Angelfish, Blackspot Lyretail Angelfish. The Spotbreast Angelfish is one of the few angelfish to exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism.

 

The female is yellow dorsally, and light blue ventrally. The caudal fin is marine-blue highlighted by a dark, blue-black edging on the top and bottom. The male is marked with a series of vertical red stripes covering the entire pale colored body. The tail of the male is forked and is yellow with blue edges.

 

A minimum of a 125 gallon tank or larger with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing will offer an environment in which to thrive. An exception to most angelfish, the Blackspot Angelfish will make a good reef dweller, and will not nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates). It is also more peaceful and may be kept as a mated pair, or in schools. Fish of the genus Genicanthus are the only zooplanktivores among the angelfish.

 

The diet of the Spotbreast Angelfish should includeSpirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, and finely shaved mysis or frozen shrimp.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6"; XLarge: 6" to 7"

Male

Female

10-Lamarck's Angelfish

Genicanthus lamarck 

 


Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae

The Lamarck's Angelfish (or Lamark Angelfish) is also called the Freckletail Lyretail Angelfish. They have the distinction among angelfish of being sexually dimorphic. Both male and female are a silvery-gray with horizontal black stripes from eye to caudal fin. The female's stripes are bolder with one extending into and covering the length of the caudal fin. In both, the long dorsal fin is black, although larger in the female, and the caudal fin is freckled with black.

 

More easily kept than some other angelfish, the Lamarck's Angelfish requires a well-maintained tank of at least 125 gallons. They may chase small, docile planktivores such as Anthias, Fairy Wrasses, Flasher Wrasses, and Fire Gobies but will usually ignore other fish, including other Angels. Only one male Lamarck's Angelfish should be kept per tank. Fish of the genus Genicanthus are the only zooplanktivores among the angelfish.

 

The diet should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, and mysis or frozen shrimp.

 

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1" to 2"; Medium 2" to3 1/4"; Large 3 1/4" to 4 1/2"

11-Watanabei Angelfish

Genicanthus watanabei 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Care Level: Difficult

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Blue, Clear, Orange, White

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu

Family: Pomacanthidae

 

The Watanabe's Angelfish, also known as Watanabe's Lyretail Angelfish, is one of the few angelfish displaying sexual dimorphism. The male is an iridescent pale blue. The lower half of the body and anal fin of the male are highlighted by long, horizontal dark stripes and one, horizontal orange stripe extending toward the caudal fin. The female is an iridescent pale blue with a dark dorsal fin and does not have stripes other than a dark outline to the dorsal and anal fins.

 

Watanabe's Angelfish are best housed as a male-female pair in a 125-gallon or larger tank, and are ideal candidates for the deep-water reef aquarium. Acclimation will be facilitated by a dimly-lit tank. The tank should have multiple hiding places and live rock for grazing. Do not keep two males in the same tank as fighting will ensue.

 

The Watanabe's Angelfish are hermaphroditic and difficult to breed. Watanabe's Angelfish seem very susceptible to swim bladder damage. A varied diet of meaty foods such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and finely-chopped crustacean flesh, spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items will provide good nutrition.

 

Approximate Purchase size: Small 1 1/4" to 2-1/2" Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3" Medium 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 4" Large 5" to 6 "

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