Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish

The Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish is a beautiful and relatively uncommon Genicanthus species endemic to the waters around Japan and its surrounding islands. Like all members of the Genicanthus genus, this species is truly reef-safe, making it highly prized among reef aquarists. Males display a stunning combination of a pale silvery-white body with bold black vertical bars on the posterior half, accented by vibrant orange-yellow markings on the face and a distinctive lyretail or swallowtail-shaped caudal fin. Females are more subtly colored in pale lavender-silver with dark dorsal and tail accents.

In the wild, Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish are found in deeper waters along rocky reef walls and drop-offs, typically at depths of 50 to 200 feet around the Japanese archipelago. They form small harems of one dominant male and several females, feeding on zooplankton passing in the current. Their deep-water origin means they prefer slightly cooler water temperatures than many tropical reef fish, which should be taken into consideration for aquarium husbandry.

Reaching approximately 8 inches, this species requires a minimum tank of 100 gallons with ample open swimming space and moderate to strong water flow to simulate its natural current-swept habitat. The Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish is peaceful and makes an excellent addition to community reef tanks. Its limited collection range and seasonal availability from Japan contribute to a higher price point compared to more widely distributed Genicanthus species.