Bellus Swallowtail Female Angelfish - Small

Females of this species have white bodies with black and blue horizontal stripes that morph vertically as they approach the head. The way the tail connects with its body resembles a swallow's tail and allows it to swim around with ease.

No success has been had when attempting to breed this species in captivity. They are known as a sexually dimorphic species which means the males have distinctively different colouring than the females. Males bodies are grey with horizontal yellow stripes.

Take caution when handling these fish as they have spines located in their cheeks just behind the gills which can come out when they are stressed or frightened. They can be quite shy when first entering a new environment but don't worry they will soon become more comfortable and outgoing.

These fish are found all over the Indian and Western Pacific Ocean ranging from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to Indonesia, the Philippines and even Tonga. They inhabit deep reef walls and have been spotted down at depths of 90 metres.

Tank Recommendations for Bellus Swallowtail Angelfish

The smallest tank size for these fish is 480 litres. They are a deep water species and as such will enjoy plenty of wide-open swimming areas along with excellent water flows. Keep the lighting moderate to try and mimic their natural environment as much as possible. Decorate with rocks and corals as you see fit but just be sure they have enough space to swim around in. This species is suitable for both Fish-Only and Reef environments.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Bellus Swallowtail Angelfish is a peaceful member of the angelfish family but a male will fight with other males so be sure to only keep one male in the tank at the same time. Several females may be kept with one male however as long as they have sufficient tank space.

Usually Compatible

Basslets, Blennies and Butterflyfish would make great options as tank buddies. Clownfish, Damselfish and Goatfish are other excellent choices. Other wonderful tank buddies could include Grunts, Hawkfish and Hogfish. Parrotfish, Pufferfish and Tangs will not cause any problems either.

Sometime Compatible

Batfish can sometimes be problematic as well as other species of both large and dwarf Angelfish. Eels and Groupers should be chosen carefully too depending on their size.

Rarely Compatible

Docile shy and slow-moving species such as Seahorses and Pipefish may find this Angelfish too boisterous for their liking and be too afraid to come out and feed. Sharks should be avoided also as depending on their size they may see the angelfish as prey.

Feeding your Bellus Swallowtail Angelfish

Offer them several feedings a day as in the wild they will consume a lot of open water plankton. They are omnivores and as such give them a good variety of both meat and plant foods. Angelfish preparations are perfect along with frozen mysis and brine shrimp. Flake foods containing spirulina will help to keep up a healthy immune system. They will love the occasional serving of algae as well.