Zebra Lyretail Angelfish

Genicanthus caudovittatus

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Angel Large Family: Pomacanthidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Zebra Lyretail Angelfish

General information

The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish is a peaceful species and is suitable for a community aquarium. They can grow up to 8 inches in length and require a tank with at least 100 gallons of water. It is important to provide plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing, as well as open swimming areas. The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish is a hardy fish that can adapt to a variety of water conditions, but it is important to maintain stable water parameters.

Diet & nutrition

The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish is an omnivore that feeds on a variety of foods. A balanced diet should include a mix of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill, as well as vegetable matter such as spirulina and algae. It is important to feed small amounts several times a day rather than one large feeding.

Determining sex

There are no external differences between male and female Zebra Lyretail Angelfish.

Breeding & spawning

Breeding Zebra Lyretail Angelfish in captivity is difficult, but not impossible. They are hermaphroditic, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs. A breeding pair will form a monogamous bond and lay eggs on a flat surface. The eggs will hatch in 3-4 days and the fry will need to be fed small amounts of plankton several times a day.

Diseases

The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish is relatively hardy and is not prone to many diseases. However, they can be susceptible to common freshwater and saltwater diseases such as ich and velvet. It is important to maintain good water quality and provide a healthy diet to prevent diseases.

Origination

The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish is found in the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, and can be found at depths of up to 120 meters.

Cautions

The Zebra Lyretail Angelfish is generally a peaceful fish, but can be aggressive towards other angelfish and similarly shaped fish. It is important to provide plenty of hiding spaces to reduce aggression.

Acclimation process

When introducing a Zebra Lyretail Angelfish to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to avoid stress and shock. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes, then adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every 5 minutes until the bag is full. The fish can then be netted and added to the aquarium.

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