Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in deep reef slopes and lagoons.
- Recognized for its elegant silver body with black horizontal stripes.
- A sexually dimorphic species, with females appearing more vibrant than males.
- Unlike many angelfish, it is planktonic rather than grazing on coral reefs.
- A peaceful species that adapts well to community aquariums.
Feeding
- Primarily feeds on zooplankton and suspended particles in the water column.
- Readily consumes high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp.
- Should be fed multiple small meals daily to mimic natural feeding habits.
- Can benefit from occasional supplementation with marine algae.
- Best kept in a tank with strong water circulation to help simulate natural feeding conditions.
Habitat
- Commonly inhabits depths of 30-100 feet on outer reef slopes.
- Requires an aquarium with open swimming space and moderate water flow.
- Best kept in a tank with rock structures for shelter and territories.
- Reef-safe, as it does not nip at corals, unlike other angelfish species.
- Ideal for large, well-established aquariums (minimum 100 gallons).
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
- Requires a well-maintained tank with stable water conditions.
- Highly resistant to disease when provided with a proper diet and environment.
- Can be sensitive to poor water quality, requiring regular maintenance.
Compatibility
- One of the most peaceful angelfish, suitable for community reef tanks.
- Compatible with tangs, wrasses, gobies, and other non-aggressive species.
- Best kept singly or in a bonded male-female pair to avoid territorial disputes.
- Avoid housing with overly aggressive tank mates that may stress it.
- Can coexist with larger, peaceful angelfish if the tank is spacious enough.
Aquarium Behavior
- Active swimmer, often found patrolling the mid-to-upper water column.
- Social and interactive, making it a beautiful centerpiece fish.
- Adapts quickly to aquarium life and becomes more confident over time.
- Exhibits minimal aggression, making it a great choice for mixed reef setups.
- Thrives in an environment with high oxygenation and moderate current flow.