Watanabei Angelfish (Genicanthus watanabei)

The Watanabei Angelfish or Genicanthus watanabei is just one of the many different species of Angelfish in the Pomacanthidae family. This species is one of the few that display sexual dimorphism. (Don't worry I had to look it up too.) This simple means that the male and the female look different from one another. The male Watanabei Angelfish is a pale blue with the lower half of its body highlighted by dark stripes. It also has one orange stripe running horizontally from the middle of its body to its tail. Females are a pale blue as well with a dark dorsal fin and no stripes.

Also known as the Blackedged Angelfish, and the Watanabe's Lyretail Angelfish, these saltwater fish can be kept in an aquarium, but are quite pricey, normally over $100 per fish! They do best in a male/female pair with the following water conditions in a tank of 100 gallons or more, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025. Warning: Do not put two males together in the same tank as they will attack each other. A reef aquarium with lots of hiding spaces and live rock should keep them healthy and happy. Feeding the Watanabei Angelfish marine algae, spirulina and frozen shrimp. They can grow to about 6" in maximum length, and are found in the wild in the central and western Pacific Ocean.  You can check out a male Watanabei Angelfish in an aquarium in the video below... 

If you have any questions about the Watanabei Angelfish or care tips please drop us a line...