Genicanthus melanospilos (Bleeker 1857)

Description: Males light bluish with about 15 narrow black bars on the sides extending to the top of the head, and a large black spot on breast; females without bars, yellow on the upper sides and light blue below, and with broad submarginal bands on the dorsal and ventral edges of the caudal fin (Ref. 2334). Body depth 1.9-2.2 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 46-48 (Ref. 90102).

Anchorworm Disease (Lernaea sp.). Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Dorsal spines (total): 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 17 - 18

Generally seen in pairs on steep outer reef slopes, drop-offs (Ref. 9137, 9710), in caves or along the bases of boulders (Ref.48636); in rich coral growth interspersed with sand (Ref. 37816). Usually occurs in loose groups of females dominated by a male. Sometimes feeds on plankton high above the substrate (Ref.48636).

Generally seen in pairs on steep outer reef slopes, drop-offs (Ref. 9710), in caves or along the bases of boulders (Ref.48636); in rich coral growth interspersed with sand (Ref. 37816). Usually occurs in loose groups of females dominated by a male. Sometimes feeds on plankton high above the substrate (Ref.48636).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial