Lamarck's Angelfish
The Lamarck's Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarck) is an elegant and relatively peaceful marine angelfish prized for its silver-grey body, contrasting black horizontal stripes and distinctive freckled tail.
Unlike many other angelfish species, Lamarck's Angelfish belongs to the Genicanthus genus – a group of primarily open-water zooplankton feeders that are considered among the most reef-compatible angelfish available.
With graceful swimming behaviour, attractive markings and an impressive adult size, the Lamarck's Angelfish makes an excellent feature fish for a large established reef or marine aquarium.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Genicanthus lamarck
Common Names: Lamarck's Angelfish, Blackstriped Angelfish, Freckletail Lyretail Angelfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore / Zooplanktivore
Maximum Size: Approximately 20–23 cm
Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 475L / 125 gallons
Reef Safe: Generally Yes
Aquarium Care
Lamarck's Angelfish are active swimmers and require a large, well-established aquarium with plenty of open swimming space.
Provide a combination of:
- Open swimming areas
- Established live rock
- Caves and overhangs for shelter
- Strong filtration and good oxygenation
- Stable marine water parameters
They are generally peaceful toward most tank mates, although Eastern Marine notes they may occasionally chase smaller, docile planktivores such as Anthias, Fairy Wrasses, Flasher Wrasses and Fire Gobies.
Only one male Lamarck's Angelfish should normally be kept per aquarium.
Male & Female Differences
Lamarck's Angelfish are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females develop visibly different markings.
Both sexes have a silver-grey body with horizontal black stripes, but females typically show stronger black striping, including a prominent stripe extending through the tail. Males can develop longer tail extensions and slightly different patterning.
This makes them particularly interesting fish to observe as they mature.
Feeding
Lamarck's Angelfish should receive a varied, high-quality diet including:
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Spirulina-based foods
- Marine algae
- Quality angelfish preparations
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes
- Finely chopped marine seafood
Offering smaller meals multiple times throughout the day suits their natural zooplankton-feeding behaviour.
A Reef-Friendly Angelfish Option
One of the biggest attractions of Lamarck's Angelfish is its suitability for reef aquariums.
Most large angelfish carry a significant risk of picking at corals, but members of the Genicanthus genus primarily feed from the water column. This makes the Lamarck's Angelfish one of the better choices for reef keepers wanting the size and presence of an angelfish without the same level of coral compatibility risk.
With its elegant appearance, active swimming behaviour and excellent reef compatibility, the Lamarck's Angelfish is an outstanding centrepiece fish for a suitably large, established marine aquarium.
