🐠 Zebra Lyretail Angelfish (Genicanthus caudovittatus)
Marine Angelfish • Reef Safe • Planktivore • Display Species
 
📋 The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish (Genicanthus caudovittatus) is one of the few truly reef-safe angelfish species. Unlike most angels, it feeds on plankton in the water column rather than nipping corals or clams.
Males and females show beautiful sexual dimorphism: males display bold black and white striping with a long lyre-shaped tail, while females are silvery-white with a gentle black outline. Both sexes exhibit graceful swimming behavior that adds movement and elegance to reef tanks.
This species is native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, where it inhabits outer reef slopes and zooplankton-rich currents. It thrives in peaceful reef aquariums with ample swimming space, high oxygenation, and quality marine foods. A group of one male with two to three females creates a striking display.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Reef-safe planktivore: won’t nip corals or invertebrates
⚪ Sexual dimorphism: males show zebra-striped pattern; females paler
📏 Graceful swimmer: lyre-shaped tail and active movement
✅ Peaceful temperament: ideal for community reef tanks
🐠 Red Sea native: adds rare elegance and contrast to reef setups