{"product_id":"masked-swallowtail-angelfish-female","title":"Masked Swallowtail Angelfish - Female","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Masked Swallowtail Angelfish - Female (\u003cem\u003eGenicanthus semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a marine angelfish recognized by dark female facial masking and tail edging; males develop a yellow face and fine vertical bars. Its laterally compressed body allows it to move through reef structure while its patterned fins and deliberate movements create a distinctive display. Male and female coloration differs, and social changes can lead to sex and pattern changes over time. The care recommendations here apply to a full-grown individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Northwestern Pacific, including Japan, Taiwan, and northern Philippines, this fish is associated with reef slopes and nearby open water, where passing currents carry small planktonic foods. Its feeding strategy centers on the water column rather than constant picking at attached reef organisms. Masked Swallowtail needs calm introductions, open swimming lanes, and several small meals rather than reliance on rock grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA healthy adult may reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e8.3 inches (21 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e, so plan a mature aquarium of at least \u003cstrong\u003e125 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e. With suitable space, steady feeding, and appropriate companions, it can become an engaging long-term aquarium resident. Aquarium volume, layout, feeding access, and adult compatibility should be considered together before introducing the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 Gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 8.3 inches (21 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planktivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Northwestern Pacific, including Japan, Taiwan, and northern Philippines\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGenicanthus semifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a fully cycled, well-established marine aquarium with a minimum volume of 125 gallons for adult housing. Open horizontal swimming room is essential because this angelfish repeatedly moves into the water column to feed. A taller, narrow aquarium should not be treated as equivalent to a broad display simply because the volumes match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange stable rock formations into caves, overhangs, and connected passages while retaining open water at the front and above the structure. Retreats should comfortably accommodate the adult without forcing it to scrape its sides or fins. Multiple entrances help prevent a dominant tankmate from trapping the fish inside a single cave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePosition rock islands so they do not block the full swimming length. Sheltered resting areas are still needed at night and after introduction. Masked Swallowtail needs calm introductions, open swimming lanes, and several small meals rather than reliance on rock grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecure the aquascape before adding livestock.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rest heavy structures on a stable base and leave space for cleaning around them. Although this angelfish does not require a particular substrate, a clean sand bed or a well-maintained bare bottom should allow waste to be removed without repeatedly disturbing its shelters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide efficient biological filtration, regular mechanical waste removal, and an appropriately sized protein skimmer. Frequent feeding increases the nutrient load, and a system that holds acceptable readings while lightly stocked may need additional capacity before a substantial angelfish is added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain moderate to strong, varied circulation that keeps food suspended without exhausting the fish. Good surface agitation and dependable oxygenation are important, especially overnight. Avoid directing a powerful unbroken jet into the fish's preferred shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a secure cover and protect overflow openings. During introduction, reduce disturbance and let the fish choose a retreat. Avoid sudden lighting changes that may provoke a startled dash across the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stated volume is a starting point for one adult, not an allowance for several competing angelfish. Additional large or territorial residents require more space, more visual barriers, and a practical plan to separate fish if compatibility changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Masked Swallowtail Angelfish - Female is a planktivore that takes small animal foods drifting above the reef. A captive diet should deliver appropriately sized marine protein foods into open water where it naturally feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse small foods that remain available long enough to be captured. Large chunks that fall straight to the substrate may leave this fish underfed even when a considerable amount of food enters the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a balanced selection that includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinely chopped marine seafood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnriched brine shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalanus and other appropriately sized marine zooplankton\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmall marine pellets\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eBalanced frozen plankton blends\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer three or more small meals daily, adjusting portions to age, body condition, and the amount of food actually consumed. Growing juveniles and thin new arrivals often need additional small opportunities rather than one oversized feeding. Remove uneaten portions before they collect in caves or around filtration intakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistribute food across the swimming area so a dominant companion cannot monopolize every feeding point. Briefly adjusting circulation can help keep tiny foods accessible, but restore normal flow and oxygenation promptly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch for actual swallowing, not simply interest in food. A fish that repeatedly mouths and rejects every item may still be losing condition. A pinched abdomen, persistent hiding, or an established tankmate intercepting every meal calls for a change in the feeding arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce established, many individuals accept a mixture of frozen and prepared foods. Introduce new textures gradually while continuing dependable foods so dietary variety does not come at the expense of consistent intake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePellets are useful when accepted, but they should be small enough to swallow and should complement varied frozen plankton foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid using unenriched brine shrimp as the sole long-term ration. Freshwater feeder fish and terrestrial meat are unnecessary and poorly matched to this animal's feeding ecology. A varied marine-based menu, suitable portion sizes, and routine observation support long-term body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not assume that a fish refusing food will recover simply by being left in a busy display. Reduce competition, check water quality, and provide a calm feeding area when needed. Persistent refusal to eat should be addressed before substantial weight loss develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Masked Swallowtail Angelfish - Female is best described as \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e. It generally coexists well with unrelated reef fish, but relationships with other swallowtail angels depend on sex, size, social structure, and available room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single individual can be maintained successfully. Pair or harem arrangements require a larger display, compatible individuals, and monitoring as social roles change. Two males should not be assumed compatible merely because the genus is usually peaceful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions can include peaceful wrasses, gobies, cardinalfish, blennies, and other reef community fish that do not dominate the entire water column. Allow enough space for every active swimmer to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid crowding the aquarium with visually similar competitors. Even otherwise compatible species can become difficult neighbors when they compete for the same cave or feeding position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduce new residents thoughtfully. An acclimation box can help evaluate reactions, but behavior during a short introduction does not guarantee permanent compatibility. Ensure the box provides appropriate water movement and does not force the fish into continuous bright light or contact with aggressive tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserve interactions at feeding time and near preferred resting sites. Repeated pursuit, torn fins, a fish pressed into one corner, or persistent refusal to leave a cave are signs that the arrangement needs attention. Occasional displays should not be confused with ongoing harassment that prevents normal activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide visual breaks between territories and keep a separation option available. Aquascaping can reduce encounters, but it cannot make fundamentally incompatible fish safe companions. Adult behavior may become more assertive as a juvenile matures or as a new fish changes the social order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese fish have forked tails and active swimming habits, so avoid fin-nipping companions. A male or female sales label describes the fish at the time of identification and cannot guarantee that its social role or coloration will never change.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Masked Swallowtail Angelfish - Female is \u003cstrong\u003econsidered reef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its open-water plankton feeding makes it a more dependable choice around corals than most benthic-grazing angelfishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealthy coral colonies, ornamental clams, and established cleanup-crew invertebrates are generally compatible when the fish is adequately fed and housed with suitable companions. This species is not maintained as a dedicated coral, sponge, or clam grazer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef compatibility does not mean the aquarium can be crowded or underfed. An active planktivore still needs enough open water and several dependable feeding opportunities every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreserve spaces between coral colonies so the fish can swim without brushing delicate tissue or repeatedly turning through narrow gaps. Mature colonies can reduce usable swimming room substantially as a display fills in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserve new individuals and the reef after introduction. Occasional investigation of a surface is different from repeated tissue removal, but any persistent picking or stress should be assessed rather than ignored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelect tankmates with similar temperature and feeding needs. A coral-safe fish may still struggle in an aggressive community, and excellent reef water chemistry cannot compensate for inadequate food access.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°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\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable marine conditions with undetectable ammonia and nitrite, reliable oxygenation, and controlled nutrient accumulation. Consistent maintenance is especially important in a system receiving the frequent small feedings that angelfish benefit from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid rapid changes in temperature, salinity, or pH. Steady conditions within an appropriate range are preferable to frequent corrective additions made solely to chase an exact number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck salinity with a calibrated instrument and keep top-off consistent. Clean mechanical filtration, remove trapped food, and perform water changes appropriate to the actual nutrient load. Quarantine new fish in a stable, fully supported system, and do not allow a bare treatment aquarium to become a source of ammonia stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcclimate according to the water conditions of the source and receiving system, keeping handling calm and deliberate. Angelfish have cheek spines that can catch in mesh; use suitable containers and careful transfer methods to reduce injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plan for approximately 8.3 inches (21 cm) and at least 125 gallons, with a suitable footprint and additional space when keeping other territorial or active fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies-Specific Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Masked Swallowtail needs calm introductions, open swimming lanes, and several small meals rather than reliance on rock grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReliable Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer small plankton-sized marine foods in open water several times daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful behavior requires suitable companions and monitoring. Generally reef compatible, with swimming room and food access still essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong-Term Observation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monitor body condition, breathing, feeding response, and social interactions as the fish grows. A quiet introduction and regular observation help identify problems before they become persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\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":799.99,"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\/tsa-fish-masked-swallowtail-angelfish-female-1257021852.png?v=1788495697","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/masked-swallowtail-angelfish-female","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}