Bellus Angelfish (Genicanthus Bellus)

The Bellus Angelfish is a stunning and peaceful marine fish known for its sleek body and distinct coloration. This angelfish is part of the Genicanthus genus, which is often considered one of the more reef-safe groups of angelfish. With its striking blue and white body and bold black stripe, the Bellus Angelfish is a great addition to reef tanks, though it still carries a minimal risk of nibbling on corals. Ideal for experienced aquarists, this angelfish thrives in larger aquariums with plenty of swimming space and rockwork.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 7 inches.
• Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; a larger tank is preferred to accommodate its active swimming behavior.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on plankton in the wild. In captivity, it readily accepts a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and marine algae. Supplementing with algae-based pellets or seaweed helps maintain health and coloration.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; gets along well with other non-aggressive tankmates and can coexist with other reef-safe angelfish in large tanks.
• Skill Level: Intermediate; requires a stable environment and consistent feeding to thrive.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution; while generally less likely to nip at corals than other angelfish, there is still a small risk, particularly if it is underfed or stressed.

Special Feature - More Reef-Safe Angelfish
The Bellus Angelfish is among the more reef-safe angelfish species and is generally safe with corals, making it a popular choice for reef aquarists. However, there is still a slight risk of coral nipping, particularly with fleshy polyps or large polyp stony (LPS) corals, so careful observation is recommended.

Compatibility
This angelfish is peaceful and does well in community tanks with other reef-safe species. It thrives in setups with open swimming areas and rockwork for grazing and hiding.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Bellus Angelfish has a sleek white body accented with blue and black stripes. Females display a more subdued coloration, while males are typically brighter, making this species visually dynamic​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in deeper reef zones where it feeds on plankton in the water column. In aquariums, it prefers stable, well-established tanks with ample swimming space​.