ILuvMyGoldBarb
06-07-2009, 08:12 PM
The Genicanthus is considered by many to be the oddball genus in the Pomacanthid family. The first major difference we find is in their behavior. The Genicantus species spend most of their time in the open water above the reef feeding primarily on meaty fare and occasionally picking at algae on the reef. The second major difference is that these fish are reef safe fish, posing no threat to either soft or stony corals. Thirdly, this genus of angles is the only genus of angels that has major secondary sexual characteristics. Every species in this family can be sexed simply based on coloration and markings, and all of these differences are very distinct and noticable. For example, Genicanthus watanabei – Watanabe's Angel males have horizontal black stripes on their flanks while the female has a solid blue body. Fourthly, more than one of a given species can be kept in a tank providing only one male is kept. Finally, this genus contains the least colorful of the angelfishes. The most colorful member of this species is arguably Genicanthus semifasciatus - Japanese Swallowtail Angel followed closely by Genicanthus bellus – Ornate Angel, and Genicanthus melanospilos – Blackspot Angel. Besides these 3 fish, the other 7 members of this genus are colored mainly with silver, black, and muted blues. Even the Ornate Angel is colored with just these 3 colors but in much more striking definition.
Most of these fish adapt very well to captivity. The one species that does require caution is Genicanthus watanabei as they frequently suffer swim bladder issues. Care should be taken when purchasing this fish that they do not have swim bladder issues. Healthy specimens will adapt well to tanks. Keeping them in a dimly lit reef tank will help them to adapt much better.
Members of the Genicanthus genus:
Genicanthus bellus - Ornate Angel
Genicanthus caudovittatus – Zebra Angel
Genicanthus lamarck – Lamarck's Angel
Genicanthus melanospilos – Blackspot Angel
Genicanthus personatus – Spotbreast Angel
Genicanthus semicinctus – Halfbanded Angel
Genicanthus semifasciatus – Japanese Swallowtail
Genicanthus spinus – Pitcaim Angel
Genicanthus takeuchii -
Genicanthus watanabei – Watanabae's Angel
Most of these fish adapt very well to captivity. The one species that does require caution is Genicanthus watanabei as they frequently suffer swim bladder issues. Care should be taken when purchasing this fish that they do not have swim bladder issues. Healthy specimens will adapt well to tanks. Keeping them in a dimly lit reef tank will help them to adapt much better.
Members of the Genicanthus genus:
Genicanthus bellus - Ornate Angel
Genicanthus caudovittatus – Zebra Angel
Genicanthus lamarck – Lamarck's Angel
Genicanthus melanospilos – Blackspot Angel
Genicanthus personatus – Spotbreast Angel
Genicanthus semicinctus – Halfbanded Angel
Genicanthus semifasciatus – Japanese Swallowtail
Genicanthus spinus – Pitcaim Angel
Genicanthus takeuchii -
Genicanthus watanabei – Watanabae's Angel