Watanabe’s Angelfish (LiveAquaria)
The Watanabe’s Angelfish, also known as Watanabe’s Lyretail Angelfish, is one of the few angelfish displaying sexual dimorphism. The male is an iridescent pale blue. The lower half of the body and anal fin of the male are highlighted by long, horizontal dark stripes and one horizontal orange stripe extending toward the caudal fin. The female is an iridescent pale blue with a dark dorsal fin and does not have stripes other than a dark outline to the dorsal and anal fins.
Watanabe’s Angelfish are best housed as a male-female pair in a 125-gallon or larger tank, and are ideal candidates for the deep-water reef aquarium. Acclimation will be facilitated by a dimly-lit tank. The tank should have multiple hiding places and live rock for grazing. Do not keep two males together.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Watanabe’s Angelfish |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Yes |
| Male Coloration | Iridescent pale blue with dark horizontal stripes and one orange stripe |
| Female Coloration | Iridescent pale blue with dark dorsal fin and dark outlines on dorsal and anal fins |
| Minimum Tank Size | 125 gallons |
| Recommended Setup | Deep-water reef aquarium with live rock and hiding places |
FAQ
Can Watanabe’s Angelfish be kept with other fish species?
Yes, they are suitable for deep-water reef aquariums and can coexist with compatible reef fish when provided with adequate hiding places and a stable environment.
What is the difference between male and female Watanabe’s Angelfish?
The male has long horizontal dark stripes on the lower body and anal fin, along with one orange stripe extending to the caudal fin. The female is pale blue with a dark dorsal fin and only dark outlines on the dorsal and anal fins, without stripes.
Is it safe to keep two males together?
No, it is not safe to keep two males together as they may become aggressive.
Charles Taylor –
The angelfish arrived healthy and quickly settled into the tank. The male’s bright blue color with dark and orange stripes is stunning. I paired it with a female, and they seem to get along well. The tank has plenty of live rock and hiding spots, which helps reduce stress.
Gordon White –
Beautiful fish with clear sexual differences. The male is very active and colorful, especially in the evening light. I made sure to keep only one male to avoid aggression. The tank setup is simple but effective.
Ryan White –
Great addition to my reef tank. The female is calm and blends well with the environment. The male is vibrant and shows off his stripes regularly. I’ve been monitoring their behavior and they appear to be thriving.