Genicanthus semifasciatus (Kamohara, 1934)
Japanese swallow
photo by Pyle, R.L.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  21 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 100 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Japan to Taiwan and northern Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 15-15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-17. Description: Female caudal fin margin black, head bars black two. Male dorsal vertical bars, wavy, numerous, closely spaced; ventral white with lateral horizontal bar yellow extending to head. Body depth 2.0-2.2 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 46-48 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits seaward rocky and coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Hardy aquarium species; takes standard food such as chopped beef, freeze-dried shrimp, mysids, etc. A protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 55367). Forms permanent harem groups composed of a single male and several smaller females (Ref. 55367).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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