Blackspot angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Pacific: from Indonesia and the Philippines to Fiji, New Caledonia, and southern Japan. Inhabits deep seaward slopes and drop-offs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Pomacanthidae family. Lyretail morphology characteristic of Genicanthus. Grows to 18 cm (7 inches) in length.

Social Behavior: Peaceful open-water swimmer. Lives in harems. Spends its time swimming in water currents in the middle and upper levels of the tank.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males have fine vertical black bars (zebra-like) and a prominent black spot on the breast. Females are pale yellow-grey with black caudal stripes. Males are larger.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank size of 450 liters (120 gallons) with maximum open water space. Secure lid is mandatory as they are active jumpers.

Diet and Feeding: Planktivorous. Feeds on suspended food in currents. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine copepods, and high-quality flakes several times daily.

Water Quality: Maintain stable marine conditions: temperature 22-26°C (72-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Strong current is important.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef safe. Ignores all corals, clams, and ornamental invertebrates. Can be kept in pairs or harems if introduced together as females.

Aquarium Reproduction: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Not achieved in captivity due to pelagic egg dispersal and difficult larval rearing.

Risks and Diseases: High jump risk. Ensure frequent feedings of high-quality foods to keep the fish healthy and prevent weight loss.