Genicanthus spinus

Randall, 1975

Pitcairn Angelfish

Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean: Cook Islands to Ducie Atoll

Size: 8 inches (22 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits rocky and coral reefs at depths of 100 to 200 feet (30 – 60 m) and is an open water plankton feeder.

General Husbandry: Not much is known about this species as it’s rarely ever collected for the hobby trade. The male has a basically white body with numerous black stripes and the females are a very basic bluish white overall. Both have a tail that tapers into the body, resulting in what can be called a swallowtail appearance. In fact, those in this genus are sometimes called Swallowtail Angelfish.

Like many others in this genus, their captive diet should probably consist of a wide variety of meaty foods including fortified brine shrimp, mysis and angelfish food preparations, and no doubt be best if offered several times daily. Otherwise, little else is know about this somewhat cooler water species.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Pomacanthidae

Genus: Genicanthus

FYI: Keeping more than one genus of angelfishes in the same aquarium is possible, yet depends upon several aspects. The following suggested circumstances are just that, possibilities that when heeded and adjusted to actual aquarium conditions ‘may’ make multiple angelfish collections feasible.

Aquarium size – the larger the better.

Other species from the same genus should not be in the same aquarium.

The smallest and most docile genus species should be the first introduced with the largest and most malicious the last to be added.

Do not place similar coloration species in the same aquarium.

Those already in the aquarium should be well fed before adding a newcomer.

Have sufficient hiding places/rocky caves.

Keep in mind all angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover; therefore use caution when handling and also avoid using a net to capture it, as it may become stuck or tangled in the net and become damaged when removed.

Experience Level: Professional

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Planktivore

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Fish-only and reef aquariums

Reef Safe: Yes

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Temperature Range: 70 - 75°F (21 – 24°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5