• Angelfish Watanabei (Genicanthus Watanabei) - Female
Angelfish Watanabei (Genicanthus Watanabei) - Female
Angelfish Watanabei (Genicanthus Watanabei) - Female
Sold Out

Angelfish Watanabei (Genicanthus Watanabei) - Female

Photos are for reference only and show what the livestock should look like. You can request actual photo via the website chat (bottom right corner)

Door-to-door shipping is available for metro areas only

It is the customer’s responsibility to be available to receive delivery

Delivery delays or missed deliveries may void DOA (Dead on Arrival) claims

If we believe a livestock is not fit for transport, we will contact you to arrange an alternative, delay, or cancellation

$160.00

Taxes included.

Select The Options Above
Description

Watanabe’s Angelfish - Female (Genicanthus watanabei)

The female Watanabe’s Angelfish is a premier choice for high-end reef aquaria, prized for its elegant simplicity and guaranteed reef-safe status. As a member of the Genicanthus genus, it is a planktivore, meaning it lacks the destructive coral-nipping instincts found in most other angelfish. The female is recognized by its shimmering, iridescent pale blue-to-white body, punctuated by a distinctive black mask-like bar over the eyes and dark edges on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.

Key Information

  • Common Name: Watanabe’s Angelfish, Watanabe’s Lyretail Angel

  • Scientific Name: Genicanthus watanabei

  • Origin: Western and Central Pacific (Taiwan to the Tuamoto Islands)

  • Max Size: 15 cm (Females are typically smaller than males)

  • Lifespan: 10–15 years

  • Temperament: Peaceful; reef-safe

  • Diet: Planktivore – Requires frequent feedings of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets

  • Care Level: Moderate (Sensitive to decompression and light intensity)

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22–26°C

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

Minimum Tank Size: 450L+ (120 Gallons+)

Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

Female Watanabe’s are active, open-water swimmers that provide constant movement in the mid-to-upper levels of the tank. They are exceptionally peaceful and can be kept in a harem (one male with multiple females) if added simultaneously. Because they naturally inhabit deep reef slopes (up to 80m), they can be shy initially and are sensitive to bright "SPS-intensity" lighting. They are compatible with nearly all reef inhabitants, including delicate corals, clams, and small shrimp.

Ideal Tank Setup

  • Swimming Space: Large, open horizontal lanes are critical to accommodate their high-energy swimming style.

  • Lighting: Acclimation is best achieved in a dimly lit environment; if using high-intensity reef lights, provide plenty of shaded overhangs.

  • Rockwork: Substantial live rock with large caves is necessary for sleeping and security.

  • Filtration: Strong water movement and high oxygenation are vital for this species' long-term health.

  • Stable Parameters: As a deep-water species, they have a lower tolerance for high nitrates and rapid temperature fluctuations.

Why Choose the Watanabe’s Angelfish (Female)?

The female Watanabe’s Angelfish is the "gold standard" for hobbyists who want an angelfish in a sophisticated mixed-reef or SPS-dominant system. Its subtle, glowing blue hue provides a cool contrast to the warm colors of most corals. Because all Watanabe’s are born female, this is the most common form available; if you eventually add a second female to a large enough tank, the dominant individual may naturally transition into the dramatically striped male form.