Female Zebra Angelfish - Medium

The Zebra Angelfish is sexually dimporphic. The sexes can easily be distinguished, with the male having black bars on its body. The female's body is a light grey colour. It has a black band above the eye and a horizontal black band running along the top of the rear body and tailfin. A second black band runs along the bottom of the caudal peduncle and tailfin. Inside the bands the tailfin is white and the dorsal and anal fins are a similar colour. Angelfish have cheek spines near their gill covers. Care should be taken when handling and a net should not be used as the spines may get caught causing damage to the fish.

Zebra Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites. They are all originally female. When required the dominant female in a group will change sex to become male. The social group usually consists of a single male and a harem of females. During courtship, the male will position himself alongside a female. It will start to flutter until its body starts vibrating. There is limited information about breeding this species in a home aquarium.

This species' natural environment is in the Western-Indian ocean. Areas include the Red Sea, South Africa, Mauritius, the Maldives, and Sumatra. It inhabits reef faces and slopes with plenty of coral between depths of 2-70 metres.

Tank Recommendations for the Zebra Angelfish

The smallest recommended tank size for the Zebra Angelfish is 127 gallons (480 litres).

This species is suitable for a reef or fish only tank. The tank of choice should contain live rock and coral for sheltering and hiding. Make sure there is plenty of open water for swimming.

In the wild, this fish is found in deep water so moderate lighting is required. Water movement should be good and replicate their natural habitat.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Zebra Angelfish is considered to be a peaceful fish. Although males may fight each other, multiple females can be kept in a tank with a male.

Usually Compatible

Suitable tank buddies include Damselfish, Goatfish Clownfish, Hogfish, Grunts, and Hawkfish. Other good companions are Tangs, Pufferfish, Basslets, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, and Blennies.

Sometime Compatible

Batfish, Angelfish, and small invertebrates will need monitoring. Be careful with Eels and Groupers as larger specimens may be unsuitable. Zebra Angelfish may occasionally pick at Rays' eyes.

Rarely Compatible

Predators such as Sharks should be avoided as they may consume Zebra Angelfish. Slow movers such as Seahorses and Pipefish may be too fragile for the active nature of this species.

Feeding Your Zebra Angelfish

Zebra Angelfish are omnivores. In a tank, they will eat a varied diet of vegetables, meaty food, and Angelfish preparations. Flake foods containing Spirulina and Algae are also suitable. Meaty products such as Mysis and Brine shrimp are ideal for this species. They should be fed several times per day to replicate their eating habits in the wild.