Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish — Female

Genicanthus semifasciatus  |  Reef Safe Angelfish

Some fish dart. The female Genicanthus semifasciatus drifts. Pearl-gray body, a brush of gold across the head and back, and a long forked tail that trails behind her like ribbon. She spends her day cruising open water, which puts her front and center in your display where she belongs.

And yes, she's an angelfish you can actually trust in a reef. Swallowtails don't graze on corals or pick at clams. They eat plankton out of the water column, so your SPS, LPS, and tridacnas stay untouched. Anyone who's watched a Pomacanthus or a flame angel slowly work through a frag rack knows how rare that is.

Give her a mature reef of 125 gallons or more with plenty of swimming room. She takes mysis, enriched brine, and quality frozen or pellet foods without fuss. Feed small amounts a few times a day and she'll color up beautifully.