Zebra Angelfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean, ranging down to Madagascar and Mozambique. Inhabits outer reef slopes at depths of 15 to 60 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Pomacanthidae. Features an oval, elongated body with a lyre-shaped caudal fin. Reaches 20 cm. Possesses a prominent opercular spine.

Social Behavior: Planktivorous and very peaceful. Unlike most marine angelfishes, it swims in open water and does not harm corals, making it exceptionally reef-safe.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Strong sexual dimorphism. Males feature zebra-like vertical black stripes on a pale blue-grey body. Females are solid pale blue-grey with black tail margins.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a minimum tank size of 350 liters with extensive open swimming areas and a tight-fitting lid, as they are known jumpers.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous diet. Feeds on zooplankton in water currents. Provide frozen mysis, brine shrimp, high-quality dry foods, and marine algae.

Water Quality: Reef parameters: stable temperature 22-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.020-1.025 with moderate to strong current.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Highly compatible with reef community fish. Safe to keep as a pair or in a small harem consisting of one male and multiple females.

Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Spawns pelagic eggs in open water column during sunset. Captive breeding is rare and difficult to support commercially.

Risks and Diseases: Moderately hardy. Sensitive to shipping stress; slow acclimation and a calm tank environment are key to successful introduction.