Genicanthus bellus Randall, 1975
Ornate angelfish
photo by Tanaka, H.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 24 - 110 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Cocos-Keeling Atoll. Pacific Ocean: Philippines, Palau, Guam, Cook Island and the Society Islands. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797). Distribution may be expanded with more deep reef exploration.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 15-15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Description: Young and females with broad black bands. Males have two orange bands, one mid-laterally and the other over the back (Ref. 48636). Exhibit a striking sexual dimorphism (Ref. 1602). Body depth 2.1-2.2 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 46-48 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Schools along steep current-swept outer reef drop-offs from 45 to at least 97 m. Forms harems of 3-7 individuals. Feeds on plankton. Rarely exported through the aquarium trade (Ref. 48391). At Canderawasih Bay common depth range is 20-25 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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