Spotbreast Angelfish – LiveAquaria
With a highly-flared tail, the Spotbreast Angelfish is also referred to as the Blackspot Angelfish, Blackspot Lyretail Angelfish, and the Japanese Swallowtail. The Spotbreast Angelfish is one of the few angelfish to exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism.
The female is yellow dorsally, and light blue ventrally. The caudal fin is marine-blue highlighted by a dark, blue-black edging on the top and bottom. The male is marked with a series of vertical red stripes covering the entire pale colored body. The tail of the male is forked and is yellow with blue edges.
A minimum of a 125 gallon tank or larger with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing will offer an environment in which to thrive. An exception to most angelfish, the Blackspot Angelfish will make a good reef dweller.
| Species | Spotbreast Angelfish (Blackspot Angelfish) |
|---|---|
| Sexual Dimorphism | Yes – females are yellow with blue ventral side; males have red vertical stripes and a forked tail |
| Tank Size | Minimum 125 gallons |
| Environment | Reef-safe with live rock and hiding places |
FAQ
What is the difference between male and female Spotbreast Angelfish?
The female has a yellow dorsal side and light blue ventral side with a marine-blue caudal fin edged in dark blue-black. The male has vertical red stripes across its body and a forked tail that is yellow with blue edges.
Is the Spotbreast Angelfish suitable for a reef tank?
Yes, the Spotbreast Angelfish is an exception to most angelfish and can coexist in a reef environment with proper setup including live rock and hiding places.
What tank size is recommended for this fish?
A minimum of 125 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks preferred for optimal health and behavior.
Melanie Graham –
Bought this angelfish for my 150-gallon reef tank. The male has vibrant red stripes and a striking forked tail. It’s active and doesn’t seem to bother other fish. The coloration is vivid and it’s adapted well to the live rock setup.
Rebecca Payne –
The female arrived with a nice yellow and blue coloration. She’s calm and hides in the crevices. I didn’t expect such a peaceful temperament for an angelfish. The tail pattern is subtle but distinct.
Chloe Tucker –
After a few weeks, the male developed full red vertical stripes and a bright yellow tail with blue edges. It’s a beautiful addition to the tank. The fish seems healthy and active without showing aggression.