Watanabei Angelfish, Female

Watanabei Angelfish, Female (Genicanthus watanabei) — a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its graceful swimming, striking vertical striping, sexual dimorphism, and open-water presence.

Males typically display bolder blue and black horizontal striping with elongated fins, while females/juveniles show a simpler pattern of blue-gray bodies with fine vertical lines and darker edging on the fins, giving them an elegant, understated beauty.

They reach about 6 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 125 gallons to provide ample swimming space. Provide open swimming areas, live rock for grazing and shelter, and secure hiding spots, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is recommended since these angelfish are known jumpers.

Diet should consist of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, high-quality marine pellets, and some algae-based foods to ensure balanced nutrition. With proper care, the Watanabei Angelfish makes a standout, reef-compatible addition to any large marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.