Genicanthus melanospilos
Genicanthus melanospilos, the Swallowtail Angelfish, is a species of marine angelfishes in the genus Genicanthus.
| Genicanthus melanospilos | |
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| Genicanthus melanospilos | |
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| Species: | G. melanospilos |
| Binomial name | |
| Genicanthus melanospilos (Bleeker, 1857) | |
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Description
Genicanthus melanospilos can reach a length of about 18 centimetres (7.1 in) in males. It is a typical angel fish with a short, laterally compressed body and a small mouth with tiny teeth. It is similar to Genicanthus caudovittatus. The caudal fin is lyre-shaped, with very long filaments in the adults. These fishes have a total of 15 spines, 15 to 17 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines and 17-18 anal soft rays. The male has a pattern of 15 black narrow vertical stripes, with a pale blue basic color of the body. The females have no streaks.[3]
Distribution and habitat
This widespread species can be found from the Indo-Malayan region to the southwestern Pacific Ocean and from the Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia and Fiji. It prefers reef slopes with rich coral growth, at a depth of 20–80 metres (66–262 ft).[1][4][5]