[rjs5134]

I probably should have posted this before the purchase, but the 3 or 4 vodka tonics got the better of me. The LFS told me that the bellus angel(female) was probably the best angel for a reef tank. I've had a tough time finding info on this beautiful fish. Anybody have any info concerning her, especially size, temperment, difficulty and reef compatibility?

[Ninong]

Yes, it is reef-aquarium safe. In fact, it's much safer than the popular dwarf angelfish. It's primarily a zooplanktivore.

Females are easier to acclimated to captivity than males. As you probably know, the males and females are both quite beautiful but with noticeably different coloration. Actually, I prefer the appearance of the females. That's a female pictures on fishbase. The males are a golden-orange color. Typical size of mature females in captivity is 5"-6" with males about an inch longer. That's total length, including caudal fin. Almost all of the pictures that came up in Google are of females. Here's a picture of a male that I found in Google but it's not a very good picture. Males usually have two distinct, deep orange-gold bands -- one mid-flank and the other on top. The area between the dorsal fin and the mid-lateral band is a lighter shade of orange-gold.

They're protogynous hermaphrodites -- all males are derived from females. In other words, if you get two females, one of them should turn into a male. That's the way it's supposed to work. However, hobbyists have reported strange things on the boards about Genicanthus bellus in captivity. Some people have reported that their males reverted to female coloration. ???

P.S. -- If this is for your 65-gal tank, then I think it's a mistake. They need more swimming room than that.

[rjs5134]

Thanks Ninong,
For now it's in the 65, hoping to have a 110 running in a few months. Like I said, shoulda posted first then decided to or not to buy. Are they hardy, or more difficult to keep and I assume fairly compatible with other fish?

[SueT]

I have a G. semifasciatus female and she has been a wonderful additon to my reef. She has major personality and has been a bit of a butt in the addition of my powder blue but the PB holds it's own. I had wanted a bellus but this one had come in and eats great and it beautiful too.

Good luck with your genicanthus..

[fish outa wata]

The bellus is truely beautiful. Good luck on the upgrade of the tank.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by rjs5134

Thanks Ninong,
For now it's in the 65, hoping to have a 110 running in a few months. Like I said, shoulda posted first then decided to or not to buy. Are they hardy, or more difficult to keep and I assume fairly compatible with other fish?

They are ideal angels for reef tanks, provided the tank is large enough. A 110-gal tank is probably an absolute minimum size. A better minimum would be 135-gallons. They have wonderful personalities and are not aggressive. This is one of the fish on my "must have someday" list! One thing I like about it is the fact that the females are so beautiful.