Swallowtail or watanabei angelfish pair?

[sjfishguy]

I have been wanting to add a pair of watanabei angelfish to my 180g sps dominated reef for a while now. I now have the opportunity to get the pair, but there is also a beautiful male/female pair of zebra swallowtails available. The pair available are 5” male/3” female. I actually like the zebra pair better I think, but I am worried they get too large for my 180g.

Anyone had a swallowtail angelfish for a while and if so how large did it actually get? Says both female and male get 8” which to me is way too big for a 180. I am still leaning to the watanabei as they max out at 6”. Thanks!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@i cant think

 

[TylerHaworth]

I kept a pair of Watanabei’s in my 180 until catastrophe struck.

They were absolutely stunning in person.

Smaller and prettier(IMO) than Swallowtails, so to me it’s a no brainer.

 

[wickedxreef]

Wow... this post timing couldn't be better. I'm actually considering the same. Have you also looked at the masked swallowtail? I think I'm leaning towards those.

 

[littlefoxx]

They should be fine in a 180! I say do whatever pair you like the look of better. Both are stunning. What other fish do you have? Maybe go for the pair that you dont have any other similar colors in. Im working on re building my tank and have a wantannabe pair on my list cause it has the same beautiful blue as a powder blue tang with a way better temperament! Thats how I chose, maybe look at if from that way?

 

[Damage12]

I had a pair of watanabei’s in my 180. Both female until one turned male. Loved those fish.

 

[dnledman]

I had a pair of watanabei’s in my 180. Both female until one turned male. Loved those fish.

Wait is this a common occurrence among watanabeis?

 

[Damage12]

Wait is this a common occurrence among watanabeis?

Yes, I think this happens often under the right conditions, but may take some time. They are all born female and one can change to male. Mine took 6-8 months if I recall correctly.