Blackspot Angelfish
Genicanthus melanospilos
Genicanthus melanospilos has an elongated, compressed body with a lyre-shaped caudal fin. Males are white with black bars and a large oval black spot on the mid-body; females are grayish with black spots. This species reaches 20 cm. It is gregarious and can be kept in small groups. Its diet is planktivorous, feeding on zooplankton. In aquariums, it is active and swims in open water. It is a hardy and easy-to-acclimate species.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| Salinity | 1.02–1.025 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.05 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025. A minimum tank size of 250 liters is recommended. Provide good flow and open swimming areas. Diet should be planktivorous, with brine shrimp, mysis, and plankton-based preparations. It is compatible with most peaceful fish. Avoid territorial angelfish. Nitrates should remain <20 mg/L. Moderate lighting is sufficient. Captive breeding is rare.