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Halfbanded angelfish (Genicanthus semicinctus) — Pomacanthidae

Halfbanded angelfish

Genicanthus semicinctus
Family: Pomacanthidae

The Halfbanded angelfish (Genicanthus semicinctus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 21 cm.

Length
21 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–100.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Lord Howe I.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Halfbanded angelfish is a marine angelfish (Pomacanthidae) from the southwest Pacific, around Lord Howe. The species grows to about 21 cm and has an elongate body with a deeply forked, swallowtail-shaped tail. Males bear half dark crossbands over the upper flank. Unlike many angelfish it hovers in open water above steep reef slopes and eats mainly zooplankton. It changes sex; males and females are differently marked. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Halfbanded angelfish?

The Halfbanded angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Halfbanded angelfish live?

The Halfbanded angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Lord Howe I.

How big does the Halfbanded angelfish get?

The Halfbanded angelfish grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.

Is the Halfbanded angelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Halfbanded angelfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Halfbanded angelfish edible?

Yes, the Halfbanded angelfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Halfbanded angelfish (Genicanthus semicinctus) — Pomacanthidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) A. Prof. Chris, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Halfbanded angelfish (Genicanthus semicinctus) — Pomacanthidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Gina, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Halfbanded angelfish (Genicanthus semicinctus) — Pomacanthidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) John Thorogood, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Halfbanded angelfish (Genicanthus semicinctus) — Pomacanthidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Malcolm Francis, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Halfbanded angelfish sourced
Scientific name
Genicanthus semicinctus
Family
Pomacanthidae
Other names
Halfbanded angelfish; Half-banded angelfish; Angelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
21.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Lord Howe I. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Genicanthus

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Fin

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