Common name: Halfbanded angelfish

General information

The Half-banded Angelfish, Genicanthus semicinctus, is a distinctive species of marine angelfish known for its unique sexual dimorphism. Males and females exhibit different color patterns, with males having a striking half-black and half-white body, while females are predominantly grey with a series of vertical white bars. This species is part of the Genicanthus genus, which is notable for its members' ability to swim more openly in the water column compared to other angelfish that are more reef-associated.

Care

In the aquarium, Half-banded Angelfish require a large tank with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other angelfish. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their health and coloration. It's important to note that they are less prone to nip at corals and clams than other angelfish species, making them a safer choice for reef aquariums.

Reproduction

Half-banded Angelfish are pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but with a well-established pair in a large enough system, spawning behavior may be observed.

Habitat

This species is found in the Western Pacific, from Japan to Australia. They inhabit outer reef slopes and drop-offs, typically in depths ranging from 30 to 150 meters. In the wild, they are often observed in small groups or pairs, swimming in mid-water above the reef.

The Half-banded Angelfish is a captivating addition to larger marine aquariums, especially for hobbyists interested in the unique aspects of sexual dimorphism and less aggressive angelfish behavior towards invertebrates.