Swallowtail Angel

[AJinNY]

I am looking for a cool reef safe fish. A friend told me about the Swallowtail Angel (Genicanthus melanospilus). DOes anyone have one of these or any experience with them? When I do a google search some of the photos are stunning while some are bland.

Also i dont remember ever seeing them at the lfs.....are they rare? If reef safe I would htink this angel would be in demand.

Any comments?

Take care.

AJ

[BoomerD]

Not one of the more common fish, but usually available. Check here:

The Marine Center

Or here:
Jeff's Exotic Fish

Both had them on their stock list when I checked during this post.

[AJinNY]

ok but are they easy to care for? I want somethign that is reasonably hardy.

Aso would you trust ordering any fish online rather than getting it from your usual dealer?

Thanks again!

AJ

[Witfull]

there are always some added risk when ordering online, you cannot see the fish before purchase, see it eat, size etc etc. usually if you can get it locally then do so. angels on the most part are hardy given good water conditons. but they are not always reef safe. they can nip at LPS and clams and can be a bit territorial. the swallowtail is a bit more timid than others such as the flame angel and definately needs many nooks and crannies to dart in and out of, the more they have the safer they feel and will spend more time out in the open, especially if you have other active fish.

[Playa]

Aj teh swallowtails are a great reef Angel. They are beautiful and peaceful and should not bother any of your corals. You will be relatively safe with any Angel in the Genicanthus family.

It is also a very inexpensive fish. I see them from time to time here in South Florida from $20 to $30

Check with your LFS he could probably order one for you.

Luis

[AJinNY]

Thank Wit.

Im a bit wary of ordering online. Perhaps I cna ask my dealer to order one for me.

Have you seen this particular fish? I see different photos so its hard to tell if it looks as good as I hope. I need a big fish thats reef safe to add to my lineup!

Thanks again for the responses.

AJ

[BoomerD]

Here's a bit of reading on the Genicanthus angels. Not the hardiest of fish, but most are indeed reef safe.
WWM/Genicanthus Angelfish