Spotbreast Angelfish

The spotbreast angelfish is one of the species of the genus Genicanthus, the plankton-eating swallowtail angelfish, in which the sexes differ most clearly. Males carry many fine black vertical bars and a black spot on the breast over a pale bluish-white body; females are unbarred, yellowish and plain, with black upper and lower edges on the tail. All individuals start out as females, and the dominant female in a harem turns into a male. Specimens are wild-collected, mostly from waters deeper than 20 meters.

• At least 400 liters for a single specimen; 600 liters or more for a harem, with plenty of open water.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Dim light during the first days; specimens from deep water are startled by bright light.
• Reef-safe: It generally leaves corals and invertebrates alone.

A plankton-focused omnivore. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods and small granules; supplement with foods containing spirulina. Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.

Peaceful and calm; it glides through open water. Males are aggressive towards each other.

Good companions: Tangs, anthias, fairy wrasses, clownfish and cardinalfish, other peaceful reef fish.

Avoid: A second male Genicanthus, aggressive large angelfish, triggerfish and lionfish.