Teleostei (teleosts) >
Acanthuriformes (Surgeonfishes) >
Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Etymology: Genicanthus: Greek, geny, -yos = face, jaw + Greek, akantha = thorn (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Randall.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 20 - 174 m (Ref. 58302). Tropical; 30°N - 17°N
Eastern Central Pacific: endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Have recently been reported from Midway Islands (Ref. 28620).
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 21.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 4858)
Sexes exhibit different coloration. Male pearly white with anterior portion of the head, from the snout to just behind the eye, yellow orange; anterior half of the caudal fin black; dorsal and anal fins white with a broad orange band distally; the pectoral and pelvic fins orange. Female pearly white with anterior portion of the head, from the snout to just behind the eye black or gray; anterior half of the caudal fin also black; distal portion of pelvic fins orange.
Body shape (shape guide): short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Inhabits seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic over rock and sand (Ref. 58302). Minimum depth from Ref. 122680.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Allen, G.R., 1985. Butterfly and angelfishes of the world. Vol. 2. 3rd edit. in English. Mergus Publishers, Melle, Germany. (Ref. 4858)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
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