Description
Swallowtail Angelfish (Genicanthus melenospilos)
The swallowtail angelfish is an exceptionally beautiful fish. Females have a steely blue body (including the eyes) with a golden yellow haze over the back. Males are similar in color except that they bear 15 dark, vertical bands across the body. Aside from its gorgeous coloration and exotic body shape, the swallowtail angelfish is particularly valued by reef aquarists due to its complete lack of interest in eating corals (unlike so many of its close relatives). A zooplanktivore, it prefers live items like live copepods and brine shrimp. These captive-bred individuals additionally accept many prepared fish foods. Because it inhabits deeper, open waters, it requires a larger tank (55 gal+) with plenty of swimming space; lights should be kept dim during the first couple of days in its new environment.
Size and Care Requirements
- Purchase Size: ~2″ (length).
- Max Size: 7″ (length).
- Water Parameters: ~78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.0-8.4, s.g. 1.021-1.023.
- Color: Blue with golden yellow top. Males are bit bluer and have dark, narrow stripes.
- Reef-Safe: Yes.
- Feeding: Primarily planktivorous but accepts most aquarium foods.
Swallowtail Angelfish Species Information
G. melenospilos is distributed across the Western Pacific Ocean from Indonesia to Fiji, Japan, the eastern Indian Ocean and Tonga. The species often occurs in pairs. May be found in small groups of females dominated by a single male. It usually inhabits steep outer reef slopes or caves.
Benefits of Aquacultured Aquarium Livestock
Aquacultured fishes offer a huge advantage over wild-caught specimens. For example, when bred and raised under captive conditions, they adjust more easily to aquarium life. They are also much less likely to carry disease. Even more, aquacultured specimens can better tolerate shipping stress. By purchasing aquacultured swallowtail angelfishes you support the captive breeding of marine aquarium livestock and help to make our hobby more sustainable!
100% Alive on Arrival (AoA) Guarantee
We guarantee that every swallowtail angelfish we sell will be Alive On Arrival and in good health. Should it arrive in any other state, we will either replace it free of charge (including shipping) or issue store credit if the total livestock loss is less than $40. For more information, please also visit our 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee page.
