Write-Up Wednesday: Spotbreast Angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos)
The Spotbreast Angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos) is a colorful addition to any saltwater tank, even one with corals. Yes, reef safe angelfish do exist and the Spotbreast is one of the few that are considered 100% reef safe.
A Female Spotbreast Angelfish
Females have a yellow topline that fades into a white body with the top and bottom of the tail being marked by black bars with hints of blue. Males look much different as only their dorsal fin is yellow and their body is pained by beige or dark red vertical bars.
Spotbreast Angelfish exhibit sexual dimorphism. In the absence of a male, the dominant female will change sexes and become male. I have three females in my 450 gallon tank and I’m waiting for one of the ladies to make the switch.
Having kept several of these animals, I’ve found them to be very hardy fish and none of them have ever bothered a coral or clam. They also mind their own business and don’t bother other fish including other angelfish.
These fish can get quite large, easily reaching 7″ (18cm) in captivity so you’ll want to keep them in a tank that is at least 6 feet (1831 cm) long so that they have plenty of swimming room.
Browse the Store! Questions?
Could it really be true … a super sexy Angel that doesn’t take a fancy to your favourite super sexy coral? I think I’m in love!
Will it eat my shrimp?
Thanks for the tip Mark , that,s one nice looking fish and I’ve never heard of this one before ,LFS here I come
There’s plenty of Angelfish that are sexy and don;t touch corals, its just that you’ve got to buy tank reared specimens that are not nippers.
Like my Pigmy Flame Angel that’s breed in Vanuatu, he’s never touched any of my soft or hard corals, also have a Singapore Angel, Lemon peel Angel (the blue circled eye one) and a coral beauty, from the GBR also reef safe and all get along. Research first= happy tank mates.
Hello Mark,
Beautiful fish. Thank you for the write-up and info. I’m sure to add this one to my growing collection when, one day as we all like to do, I upgrade to a larger tank. I know you are a busy man and thank you for showing us your new sump and fish-room but was wondering when we are going to see your colossal 450G beast? We’re stoked to see it!
Best wishes!!
I’m a big fan of the Lamarck’s, which is also a genicanthus.
I hink 6 feet (1831 cm) should be 183cm (182.88 to be exact)!
Just removed one from my reef tank, it was destroying my zoanthids. Every fish is different but this one definitely isnt ‘100% reef safe’ like mentioned.
I love this fish. Have had one for 5 months and your comments are spot on. Also gets along well with a tang, they become BFF’s.