{"product_id":"masked-swallowtail-angelfish-female-genicanthus-semifasciatus","title":"Masked Swallowtail Angelfish - Female - Genicanthus semifasciatus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Female Masked Swallowtail Angelfish (\u003cem\u003eGenicanthus semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish, is an elegant reef-safe marine angelfish with beautifully understated coloration. Females display a silvery-white to pale gray body that transitions to yellow along the upper back and dorsal fin, contrasted by a distinctive black facial mask and bold black markings at the base and margins of the tail. Mature males look dramatically different, making this species an excellent example of the strong sexual dimorphism found throughout the genus \u003cem\u003eGenicanthus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Pacific, \u003cem\u003eG. semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e occurs from southern Japan through Taiwan to the northern Philippines. It inhabits seaward rocky and coral reefs at depths of approximately 15–100 meters, where it spends considerable time swimming above and around reef structure rather than remaining tightly associated with the bottom. Adults can reach approximately 8.25 inches in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many large angelfish that graze heavily on corals, sponges, and other sessile organisms, the Masked Swallowtail is primarily adapted to feeding from the water column and is considered one of the stronger angelfish choices for a reef aquarium. Its peaceful temperament, graceful swimming behavior, and compatibility with corals also make it an attractive addition to a spacious fish-only marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planktivore \/ Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Pacific – Southern Japan, Taiwan, and Northern Philippines\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGenicanthus semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with substantial open swimming space along with established rockwork arranged into caves, overhangs, cracks, and protected retreat areas. Masked Swallowtail Angelfish are active swimmers, so the aquascape should not fill the aquarium to the point that long swimming lanes are restricted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e125-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is appropriate for long-term housing. Moderate to strong water movement, good oxygenation, and efficient filtration suit this reef-associated species well. No specialized substrate is required, making either sand or a conventional reef substrate suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA securely covered aquarium is recommended, particularly during acclimation. Providing several shaded retreats can also help a newly introduced specimen settle before it begins spending more time swimming openly through the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Female Masked Swallowtail Angelfish should receive a varied diet centered on small marine foods that can be captured from the water column. Suitable offerings include \u003cstrong\u003emysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine seafood, frozen plankton blends, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes\u003c\/strong\u003e. Foods formulated for marine angelfish and preparations containing algae can also be included for nutritional variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003etwo to three smaller meals daily\u003c\/strong\u003e when practical. This feeding schedule works particularly well for active \u003cem\u003eGenicanthus\u003c\/em\u003e angelfish and better accommodates their tendency to take smaller food items throughout the day. Quality Marine likewise recommends feeding marine meaty, angelfish, and algae-based foods multiple times daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Female Masked Swallowtail Angelfish is generally \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e and is considerably less territorial than many large \u003cem\u003ePomacanthus\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eApolemichthys\u003c\/em\u003e angelfish. It can be maintained with a wide range of reef-compatible community fish, including tangs, peaceful wrasses, anthias, clownfish, gobies, cardinalfish, and other similarly appropriate marine species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn nature, \u003cem\u003eG. semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e forms permanent harems consisting of one male and several smaller females. Compatible pairs or harems can also be considered in sufficiently large aquariums, with simultaneous introductions preferable when maintaining multiple individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is a \u003cstrong\u003eprotogynous hermaphrodite\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning females can transition into males as social conditions change. This is particularly important when maintaining groups, since the absence of a dominant male may eventually result in a female developing male coloration and behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid excessively aggressive tankmates that may repeatedly chase the angelfish or prevent it from feeding comfortably in open water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Masked Swallowtail Angelfish is \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and is among the most dependable larger angelfish for coral aquariums. Unlike many angelfish species, it is not characterized by persistent grazing on coral tissue, and established aquarium references consider it compatible with both stony and soft corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is generally suitable with SPS corals, LPS corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clams, ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other common reef invertebrates. Individual fish can always behave unpredictably, but coral predation is not considered typical for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished aquarium husbandry references recommend temperatures around 72–78°F for \u003cem\u003eG. semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e. Maintain good oxygenation and consistent temperature, salinity, and pH; stable conditions are more important than continually adjusting the aquarium to reach a single exact number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive adult swimmer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults can reach approximately 8.25 inches and require ample horizontal swimming space despite their relatively streamlined build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent reef compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is one of the better full-size angelfish choices for aquariums containing corals and ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequent feeding is beneficial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple smaller meals of planktonic, meaty, and quality prepared marine foods help support this active species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFemales may transition to males:\u003c\/strong\u003e Social structure can trigger sex change, especially when a group no longer contains a dominant male.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairs and harems are possible:\u003c\/strong\u003e The species naturally forms groups consisting of one male with several females, although additional aquarium space is important when maintaining multiple specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Tiny (\u003c1\")","offer_id":52297262268714,"sku":"ANGELxMaskFT","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1.1-1.5\")","offer_id":52297248014634,"sku":"ANGELxMaskS","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (1.6-2.5\")","offer_id":52297248047402,"sku":"ANGELxMaskM","price":269.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":52297262301482,"sku":"ANGELxMaskML","price":349.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52297248080170,"sku":"ANGELxMaskL","price":369.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":52297262334250,"sku":"ANGELxMaskX","price":429.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":52297262367018,"sku":"ANGELxMaskXX","price":469.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (7.6-9.5\")","offer_id":52297262399786,"sku":"ANGELxMaskSH","price":529.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/MaskedSwallowtailAngel.png?v=1787171590","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/masked-swallowtail-angelfish-female-genicanthus-semifasciatus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}