HomeMarine aquarium fishAngelfish & butterflyfishJapanese swallow Japanese swallow (Genicanthus semifasciatus) Scientific name: Genicanthus semifasciatus Kamohara, 1934 The Japanese swallow (Genicanthus semifasciatus) is a marine fish of the family Pomacanthidae. Native range: Western Pacific, southern Japan to Taiwan and northern Philippines. BiologyInhabits seaward rocky and coral reefs. Hardy aquarium species; takes standard food such as chopped beef, freeze-dried shrimp, mysids, etc. A protogynous hermaphrodite. Forms permanent harem groups composed of a single male and several smaller females.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameGenicanthus semifasciatusFamilyPomacanthidae (Angelfishes)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length21.0Depth range15–100 m (49–328 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 15 - 100 mClimateTropicalDistributionWestern Pacific: southern Japan to Taiwan and northern Philippines.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More angelfish & butterflyfishPajama cardinalfishSphaeramia nematopteraGuinean angelfishHolacanthus africanusGray angelfishPomacanthus arcuatusClarion angelfishHolacanthus clarionensisZebra angelfishGenicanthus caudovittatusFrench angelfishPomacanthus paruSee all angelfish & butterflyfish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026