Angel Melanospilos Female (Genicanthus Melanospilos)

Black-Spot Angelfish - Female (Genicanthus melanospilos)

The Female Black-Spot Angelfish, also known as the Swallowtail Angelfish, is a graceful and highly desirable inhabitant for marine reef systems. As a member of the Genicanthus genus, it is a planktivore, making it one of the few truly "reef-safe" angelfish. The female is easily distinguished by its elegant, soft yellow-to-cream body and its striking lyretail, which is often edged in a beautiful sapphire blue.

Key Information

• Common Name: Black-Spot Angelfish, Swallowtail Angelfish, Japanese Swallowtail Angel

• Scientific Name: Genicanthus melanospilos

• Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia to Fiji and the Ryukyu Islands)

• Max Size: 15–18 cm

• Lifespan: 10–15 years

• Temperament: Peaceful; reef-safe

• Diet: Planktivore – mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality marine flakes/pellets

• Care Level: Moderate

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Water Parameters

Temperature: 22–26°C

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

Minimum Tank Size: 450L+

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Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

Female Black-Spot Angelfish are open-water swimmers that spend most of their time in the water column rather than picking at rocks. They are non-aggressive and social, often doing best when kept in a group consisting of one male and several females. Because they feed on zooplankton, they will not nip at corals or clams, making them a perfect addition to a delicate reef aquarium. They are compatible with other peaceful reef fish such as Anthias, Tangs, and peaceful Wrasses.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Large, established systems with ample horizontal swimming space for their active nature

• Strong water movement to replicate the currents of their natural reef-slope habitats

• Plenty of live rock to provide shelter and sleeping areas, though they prefer open water during the day

• High-quality filtration and efficient protein skimming to maintain pristine water conditions

• Stable environment with consistent salinity and temperature

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Why Choose the Black-Spot Angelfish (Female)?

The female Black-Spot Angelfish is the ideal choice for an aquarist who wants the beauty of an angelfish without the risk to their coral collection. Its unique "swallowtail" silhouette and subtle, glowing colors provide a sense of elegance that is different from the bold patterns of other angels. It is a peaceful, hardy species once acclimated and serves as a fantastic "dither fish" to help more timid reef inhabitants feel secure in open water.