Watanabei Angelfish (Female)

Also known as the Watanabe’s Angelfish or Blackedge Angelfish

The Watanabei Angelfish is a breathtaking deepwater species that showcases remarkable sexual dimorphism. Females display a pearlescent white to pale yellow body with subtle blue highlights and delicate finnage, creating an ethereal appearance. Native to the deeper reefs of the Western Pacific, including the Marshall Islands, Fiji, and the Ryukyu Islands, female Watanabei Angelfish bring elegance and tranquility to the home aquarium with their graceful swimming and peaceful demeanor.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Genicanthus watanabei
• Common Names: Watanabei Angelfish, Watanabe’s Angelfish, Blackedge Angelfish
• Adult Size: Up to 6 inches
• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; one of the most docile angelfish species
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe – does not nip corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 90–125 gallons
• Experience Level: Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide open swimming space combined with rock structures offering caves and overhangs. As a deepwater species, Watanabei Angelfish appreciate subdued to moderate lighting and calm water flow.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • dKH: 8–12
• Aquascape: Live rock with multiple hiding places is important, but ensure ample swimming room in the water column where these fish naturally feed.
• Compatibility: Extremely peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish. Can be housed with other Genicanthus species or even in small harems (one male with multiple females). Excellent community fish that won’t bother tank mates.

Diet & Feeding

Watanabei Angelfish are planktivores in the wild, feeding primarily on zooplankton in the water column:

• Meaty Foods: Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, and quality frozen preparations
• Plant Matter: Spirulina-enriched foods, marine algae, and nori (though less critical than for other angelfish)
• Specialty Items: Zooplankton-based frozen foods and high-quality angelfish formulas
• Supplements: Vitamin and color-enhancing foods to maintain the delicate coloration
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily with appropriately sized portions. These fish have high metabolisms and benefit from frequent small feedings

Notes & Considerations

• Behavior: Exceptionally peaceful for an angelfish. Females are calm, non-territorial, and spend much of their time swimming in open water. Will not harass other fish or compete aggressively for food.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are distinctly different from males, which display bold black and blue horizontal striping. All Watanabei are born female, and dominant females can transform into males if no male is present.
• Coral & Invertebrate Compatibility: Truly reef-safe. Unlike most angelfish, Watanabei do not nip at corals, clams, or other sessile invertebrates, making them ideal for mixed reef aquariums.
• Acclimation: As a deepwater species, they can be sensitive to sudden changes. Slow drip acclimation over 60–90 minutes is strongly recommended.
• Lighting Considerations: While adaptable, females often display best coloration under moderate lighting that mimics their natural deeper reef habitat.
• Group Dynamics: Females can be kept together peacefully and even with a male Watanabei to create a natural harem structure.

Why Choose a Quarantined Watanabei Angelfish (Female)?

Our quarantined female Watanabei Angelfish have been carefully acclimated from their deepwater origins, health-screened, and trained to accept a variety of prepared foods. Each specimen undergoes thorough observation to ensure it is parasite-free, eating well, and displaying vibrant coloration—giving you a healthy, stress-free addition to your reef aquarium that’s ready to thrive from day one.