Care
The Bellus Angelfish is knownfrom steep, current-swept, deepwater outer reef drop-offs, from 45-97m(148-318ft), where it feeds on plankton in small harems of 3-7 individuals. Theangelfish from the genus
Genicanthusare unusual in that they are not classed as true dwarf angels, yet they remain relativelysmall sized fish. They also display a remarkable sexual dimorphism. Thisparticular species is ideal for the deepwater reef aquarium with lots of shadyoverhangs and crevices amongst the live rock. Although it does not grow to ahuge size, the Bellus Angelfish is a very active species that does require agood amount of space. Keep either singly, as a male-female pair, or one male with aharem of several females, but never house a male
G. bellus with another male or with any other members of the
Genicanthus genus - especially those ofsimilar appearance. Will usually ignore some of the more placid species of dwarfangelfish from the
Centropyge genus,but as each fish is an individual and behaviour is certainly not set in stone,do observe very carefully. These fish have been known to pick on smallplanktivores such as wreckfish (
Pseudanthiasspp.), fairy and flasher wrasses, and fire fish, but they are perfectly safewith soft and stony corals. Good water movement is essential, and plentyof live rock will be appreciated for shelter/grazing (plenty of dimly lit areas will alsohelp with the settling in period). Bellus Angelfish generally adapt very wellto life in captivity, accepting aquarium fare and acclimatising to theconditions found in a well-maintained tank. This species is recommended forintermediate to advanced aquarists only. They typically command a fairly highprice because of the difficulty in collecting fish from deeper waters.
Feeding
Should be offered a varieddiet including Spirulina & marine algae as well as meaty fare such asvitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, special sponge-basedAngelfish preparations, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel. Feedsmall amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
Several fishkeepers have spawnedthis species in the home aquarium, but there are no reports of the successfulraising of fry. If the need arises, female Bellus Angelfish have the ability tochange sex to male, and males can even revert to a female if no females arepresent in the vicinity. The fish tend to spawn as illumination on the aquariumdims for the night, and after the male follows the female around, nudging herunderside, eggs and milt are released simultaneously into open water. There isno parental care.
