Japanese Masked Swallowtail Angelfish Pair WYSIWYG

Japanese Masked Swallowtail Angelfish Male

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Genicanthus semifasciatus

Overview
Reef Compatible: YES
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Eastern Asia

Genicanthus semifasciatus, also known as the Japanese Swallow, is a captivating marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae. Let’s dive into more details about this intriguing fish:

• Appearance: The male Japanese Swallow has a yellow head and anterior flanks with a darker yellow dorsal area marked with dusky vertical bars. Females, although rarely seen in the trade, have a more subdued appearance, resembling a drab orangey base. Both sexes have a forked tail that narrows at its base, creating a distinctive “swallow tail” shape.

• Habitat: These fish inhabit depths between 15 and 200 meters (49 and 656 feet) in the Western Pacific Ocean. They can be found on the seaward sides of rocky and coral reefs. Japanese Swallows are protogynously hermaphroditic and are normally encountered in harems consisting of a male and several females.

• Feeding: They feed on plankton in the water column, contributing to their vibrant colors and overall health.

• Maximum Size: Japanese Swallows can reach a maximum total length of 21 centimeters (8.3 inches).

While rather infrequently found in the aquarium trade, these unique and colorful fish make a captivating addition to marine setups.