Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor Tiktok
Search
Close this search box.

Ornate Angelfish

Genicanthus bellus
Bellus Angelfish, Genicanthus bellus, in a saltwater reef environment

Ornate Angelfish

Genicanthus bellus
Other Common Names
Bellus Lyretail Angelfish
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Bellus Lyretail Angelfish

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

Juvenile and female ornate angelfish are greyish to bluish with broad black bands and a blue patch on their lower sides. Males are pale bluish to greyish with a golden horizontal stripe in the middle of their bodies. Another golden stripe is present on the dorsal fin base of males.

Ornate angelfish grow to lengths of about 4.2 inches.

Habitat

Steep outer rocky reef slopes and drop-offs. Found at depths between 25 to 100 m.

Diet

Plankton

Life History

Similar to other species of angelfish, the ornate angelfish typically spawn around sunset which involves courtship displays done by the male. Eggs and sperm are released into the water and hatching occurs within 24 hours. Then the ornate angelfish begins a pelagic larval stage, meaning the larvae live in the water column and are carried by ocean currents. Eventually they grow into juveniles who settle into their habitat and become adults.

Ornate angelfish form small social groups called harems with 3 to 7 individuals. Each male defends a territory with 2 to 5 females. Like many species of angelfish, ornate angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites. This means that all individuals begin as female and if the male in the group disappears, the dominant female will change sex and color pattern.

Ornate angelfish venture several meters out into the open water to feed and quickly seek shelter when approached.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Since they eat plankton, ornate angelfish are considered planktivores and they are important because they transfer nutrients/energy to upper levels of the food chain.
Range
Distributed mainly in the western Pacific Ocean with recordings from Tahiti in the Society Islands, Guam, Palau, Tonga, Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Japan, southern Indonesia and Cocos-Keeling Atoll.

It is predicted that this species is widespread, but is undetected in many areas due to its deep habitat.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
Ornate angelfish are members of the genus Genicanthus which is the only angelfish genus in which the appearances are different between females and males.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Pyle, R., R. Myers, and M.T. Craig. 2010. Genicanthus bellus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
  • Myers, R. F. 1991. Micronesian reef fishes : a practical guide to the identification of the coral reef fishes of the tropical central and western Pacific (2nd ed.). Coral Graphics.
  • Allen, G. R., and Western Australian Museum. 2009. Field guide to marine fishes of tropical Australia and South-East Asia (4th ed.). Western Australian Museum.
    • Back to All Animals

    Contact Us

    Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube Tiktok Tripadvisor

    Subscribe to E-Newsletter

    Subscribe Now

    About Oregon Coast Aquarium

    Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

    Terms of Use

    Privacy Policy

    Media Policy

    Copyright © 2022 Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved.

    Need to update your cookie permissions?

    ×
    Cookies
    We use cookies to improve your experience and see how our guests are navigating the website. If this is alright by you, hit 'Accept All', or 'Settings' to customize and learn more. Read our cookie policy
    Settings Accept All
    Cookies
    Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
    Save Accept All