Bellus Angelfish - Female - Genicanthus bellus

Small (1.1-1.5")

$389.99

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$389.99

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Diet

Algae Flakes Pellets Mysis

Min Tank Size 125 gallons

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Bellus Blue Angelfish are omnivores, requiring a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. Offer a mix of high-quality marine angelfish preparations, spirulina, and mysis or brine shrimp. Supplement their diet with marine algae and seaweed sheets to mimic natural grazing. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Occasional treats of finely chopped seafood like shrimp or squid can provide enrichment and additional nutrients.

Algae Flakes Pellets Mysis

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

The Bellus Blue Angelfish, scientifically known as Genicanthus bellus, exhibits peaceful and social behavior, making it suitable for community aquariums. This species often swims in the mid to upper water column, displaying graceful and fluid movements. It thrives in spacious environments, requiring a minimum tank size of 90 gallons to accommodate its active swimming habits. In terms of social behavior, the Bellus Blue Angelfish is generally non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with other non-aggressive species. It is not territorial, which reduces the likelihood of conflicts over space. This angelfish is reef safe, meaning it does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it an excellent choice for reef aquariums. It is compatible with other peaceful fish species and can be kept in pairs or small groups if introduced simultaneously. The diet of this angelfish is omnivorous, and it should be fed a varied diet that includes planktonic foods, spirulina, mysis, and brine shrimp to ensure optimal health.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 125 gallons
Max Size: 7 inches
Care Level: Moderate
Origin: Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes

Angelfish Reef Safe Omnivore

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Moderate

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

How can I reliably identify a female Bellus Blue Angelfish versus a male, especially when buying a single specimen for my reef tank?

Female Bellus Angels (Genicanthus bellus) have a more uniform grayish to bluish body with a subtle blue margin on the dorsal and tail fins, and lack the strong horizontal striping and intense coloration of males. Males usually show bolder body patterns, often with more defined dark bands and stronger contrast. Females also tend to be slightly smaller and more rounded in body shape. When shopping, ask to see multiple specimens: the less vividly patterned, more uniformly colored individuals are typically females. Also, these fish are protogynous hermaphrodites—if kept alone, a female will usually stay female, while in a harem the dominant one can change into a male over time.

What is the ideal tank size and aquascape layout specifically for a single female Bellus Blue Angelfish in a mixed reef setup?

For a single adult female Bellus, a minimum of 90 gallons (4 feet in length) is recommended, though 120 gallons or larger is strongly preferred for long‑term health. They are open‑water planktivores that like to cruise, so focus on strong horizontal swimming space rather than a wall of rock. Use a “U” or “island” aquascape with plenty of swim‑throughs and at least one tall rock structure reaching mid‑water height for security. Provide several overhangs and shaded areas near high flow zones, as they often rest and pick around these regions. Avoid packing rock too densely; open water and good current are more important for this species than tons of hiding caves.

How do I meet the specialized dietary needs of a female Bellus Blue Angelfish so she retains good body weight and color in captivity?

Bellus Angels are zooplanktivores that graze in mid‑water, so they need frequent, small, high‑quality feedings. Offer at least 3–4 feedings daily. Prioritize: finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine (as a treat, not staple), copepods (live or frozen), small crustacean blends, and high‑protein marine pellets designed for planktivores (1–2 mm size). Supplement with spirulina‑based pellets and high‑quality angelfish formulas containing marine algae and sponge for micronutrients, even though they are less sponge‑focused than many other angels. Soak foods in vitamin supplements (e.g., Selcon or similar) 2–3 times weekly to prevent deficiencies and maintain fin condition. If she is shy or slow to feed, target feed in the water column using a turkey baster near her preferred swimming area rather than letting food sink to the substrate.

Are female Bellus Blue Angelfish truly “reef safe,” and which specific corals or inverts pose the highest risk of being nipped?

Among angelfish, Bellus (both males and females) are among the most reef‑compatible, but individual variation exists. Females are generally less assertive feeders than males and are often safer in reefs. They rarely bother SPS polyps or most LPS, but occasional nipping can occur on fleshy open brains (Trachyphyllia, Wellsophyllia), fleshy chalices, and large polyp Euphyllia or similar if underfed. Zoanthids, leathers, and gorgonians are usually ignored. Clams are more variable: many keepers report no issues, but some individuals sample mantle tissue, especially if hungry or bored. Snails, hermits, shrimp, and urchins are usually safe. To minimize risk, keep the fish well fed, provide strong flow (so corals keep their polyps extended with less interest to fish), and introduce the Bellus after more delicate corals are already established and healthy.

What specific water flow and oxygenation conditions does a female Bellus Blue Angelfish need to mimic her natural environment and prevent stress?

In the wild, Bellus Angels live on deep reef slopes with strong, turbulent currents and highly oxygenated water. In captivity, aim for high, variable flow: total turnover of 20–30x tank volume per hour using multiple powerheads on random or pulse modes. Direct some flow across open water where she swims, not just at the rocks, so she can “hover” in current like on a reef wall. Surface agitation is vital: point at least one powerhead slightly toward the surface, and use a well‑sized protein skimmer to keep oxygen levels high. Temperature should be stable between 74–78°F (23–26°C) with salinity at 1.024–1.026, and avoid sharp swings, especially since Bellus Angels are often collected from deeper, more stable environments and can be sensitive to low oxygen and sudden parameter changes.

Bellus Angelfish – Female – Genicanthus bellus

The female Bellus Angelfish is a beautifully patterned saltwater fish with a silvery white to pale blue body, sweeping black horizontal bands, and an intense violet-blue patch across the lower flank. Fine blue edging, warm orange accents along the dorsal and anal fins, and an elegant lyre-shaped tail give this fish a refined appearance under reef aquarium lighting. Females are dramatically different from the more muted, golden-striped males, making them especially desirable display specimens.

Also known as the Ornate Angelfish or Bellus Lyretail Angelfish, Genicanthus bellus has a localized distribution across the eastern Indian and Pacific oceans, including the Cocos-Keeling Islands, Philippines, Palau, Guam, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Society Islands. It naturally inhabits deep, current-swept outer reef slopes and drop-offs, where it forms small harems and feeds on plankton above the reef.

Unlike most marine angelfish, the Bellus Angelfish is primarily a midwater planktivore rather than a coral grazer. Its peaceful temperament, graceful swimming behavior, and dependable reef compatibility make it an outstanding choice for a large, established reef aquarium or fish-only aquarium. Adults reach approximately 7 inches and require generous open swimming space.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Planktivore / Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Region: Eastern Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
Scientific Name: Genicanthus bellus

Tank Requirements

Provide a mature aquarium with a long swimming footprint and broad, unobstructed areas through the middle and upper water column. Position live rock along the back and sides to create caves, shaded overhangs, and secure nighttime retreats without crowding the primary swimming lanes.

Moderate to strong, varied water movement and excellent oxygenation suit this current-associated species. Efficient filtration is important because the fish should be fed several small meals throughout the day. A sand or fine-gravel substrate is appropriate, although it has no specialized substrate requirement.

Because Bellus Angelfish originate from deeper reef habitats, newly introduced specimens may be uncomfortable under intense lighting. Provide shaded retreats and gradually acclimate the fish to a brightly illuminated reef aquarium. Use a secure mesh cover, particularly during acclimation or territorial disputes.

A single female can be maintained in a 125-gallon aquarium. A male-female pair or harem requires substantially more room, with approximately 180 gallons or larger providing more appropriate swimming space and separate retreats.

Diet and Feeding

The Bellus Angelfish is primarily a planktivore that feeds in the water column. In nature, it consumes zooplankton, including small drifting organisms, while also taking limited amounts of algae and benthic invertebrates.

Offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped krill, calanus, small plankton-based frozen foods, chopped clam or shrimp, and high-quality slow-sinking marine pellets. Spirulina-enriched flakes, frozen algae blends, and other vegetable-based foods can be included for dietary variety.

Feed two to three small portions daily, allowing food to remain suspended in the water column where the fish can capture it naturally. Newly introduced specimens may benefit from more frequent small feedings. Confirm that the female is actively eating and maintaining a full body profile, especially when housed with fast, competitive feeders.

Temperament and Tankmates

The female Bellus Angelfish is generally peaceful and less territorial than many other marine angelfish. Suitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, butterflyfish, peaceful wrasses, clownfish, cardinalfish, anthias, gobies, and other non-predatory community fish.

Keep a single female, a compatible male-female pair, or a carefully planned harem consisting of one male and several females. Do not keep multiple males together in the average home aquarium. When creating a group, provide a substantially larger system and introduce the fish carefully to reduce territorial conflict.

This species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. In the absence of a male, a dominant female may gradually transition into a male and develop the corresponding adult coloration. Bellus Angelfish naturally form harems containing one male and several females.

Avoid highly aggressive fish that may prevent it from feeding or force it to remain hidden. Large dottybacks, aggressive triggers, predatory groupers, and exceptionally territorial angelfish may be unsuitable companions.

Reef Compatibility

The Bellus Angelfish is considered reef safe. Unlike most angelfish, it feeds primarily on plankton in open water and does not normally graze on healthy stony corals, soft corals, zoanthids, anemones, clam mantles, or other sessile reef animals.

It is also generally compatible with ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and clams. Very small planktonic crustaceans may be consumed as part of its natural feeding behavior, but established ornamental invertebrates are not normally targeted.

Its adult size and active swimming may allow it to dislodge unsecured coral fragments accidentally. Mount frags securely and preserve open routes around larger coral colonies.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–79°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Maintain excellent oxygenation, consistent salinity, and low levels of accumulated waste. Stable conditions are more important than repeatedly adjusting the aquarium to achieve one exact value.

Common Considerations

Provide extensive swimming space: This active, midwater angelfish reaches approximately 7 inches and should not be confined by dense rockwork.
Acclimate carefully to bright lighting: Shaded retreats are especially important for newly introduced deepwater specimens.
Feed several small meals: Its planktivorous feeding style is best supported with frequent portions of suspended marine foods.
Female coloration may change: A dominant female can transition into male coloration when social conditions trigger a sex change.