Angelfish Lamark's (Genicanthus Lamark)
Lamarck's Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarcki)
The Lamarck's Angelfish is a distinguished and highly functional member of the marine aquarium hobby. As part of the Genicanthus genus, it is a specialized planktivore, making it one of the few truly "reef-safe" angelfish. It features a sleek, silver-white body adorned with several horizontal black stripes that extend toward a beautiful lyretail. Unlike many other angelfish, this species is sexually dimorphic and stays relatively peaceful, making it an excellent candidate for large reef systems.
Key Information
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Common Name: Lamarck's Angelfish, Black-striped Angelfish
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Scientific Name: Genicanthus lamarcki
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Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Indo-Malayan Archipelago to the Great Barrier Reef)
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Max Size: 20–25 cm
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Lifespan: 10–15 years
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Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; reef-safe
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Diet: Planktivore – mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality marine flakes/pellets
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Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Water Parameters
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 475L+
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Lamarck's Angelfish are active, open-water swimmers that do not pick at corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. They are social fish and can be kept in pairs or small groups (one male with multiple females) if introduced simultaneously. They are generally peaceful toward other tank mates but may show territoriality toward other Genicanthus species. They pair exceptionally well with Tangs, Wrasses, and Anthias in large, high-energy reef displays.
Ideal Tank Setup
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Large, established aquarium with significant horizontal swimming room to accommodate their active nature.
-
Strong water movement and high oxygenation to replicate their natural reef-slope environment.
-
Ample live rock for security and sleeping quarters, though the center of the tank should remain open for swimming.
-
Efficient protein skimming and robust filtration to maintain the high water quality required for long-term health.
-
Stable water chemistry; they are more resilient than some other Genicanthus but still sensitive to high nitrates.
Why Choose the Lamarck's Angelfish?
The Lamarck's Angelfish is the "workhorse" of the reef-safe angelfish world. It offers a classic, elegant aesthetic without the high price tag or specialized deep-water needs of its cousins like the Bellus or Wantanabei angels. Its hardiness and willingness to eat a variety of prepared foods make it an ideal choice for hobbyists looking to add a large, active angelfish to a coral-heavy system without risking their prized invertebrates.
Original: $115.72
-65%$115.72
$40.50
Description
Lamarck's Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarcki)
The Lamarck's Angelfish is a distinguished and highly functional member of the marine aquarium hobby. As part of the Genicanthus genus, it is a specialized planktivore, making it one of the few truly "reef-safe" angelfish. It features a sleek, silver-white body adorned with several horizontal black stripes that extend toward a beautiful lyretail. Unlike many other angelfish, this species is sexually dimorphic and stays relatively peaceful, making it an excellent candidate for large reef systems.
Key Information
-
Common Name: Lamarck's Angelfish, Black-striped Angelfish
-
Scientific Name: Genicanthus lamarcki
-
Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Indo-Malayan Archipelago to the Great Barrier Reef)
-
Max Size: 20–25 cm
-
Lifespan: 10–15 years
-
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; reef-safe
-
Diet: Planktivore – mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality marine flakes/pellets
-
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Water Parameters
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 475L+
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
Lamarck's Angelfish are active, open-water swimmers that do not pick at corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. They are social fish and can be kept in pairs or small groups (one male with multiple females) if introduced simultaneously. They are generally peaceful toward other tank mates but may show territoriality toward other Genicanthus species. They pair exceptionally well with Tangs, Wrasses, and Anthias in large, high-energy reef displays.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Large, established aquarium with significant horizontal swimming room to accommodate their active nature.
-
Strong water movement and high oxygenation to replicate their natural reef-slope environment.
-
Ample live rock for security and sleeping quarters, though the center of the tank should remain open for swimming.
-
Efficient protein skimming and robust filtration to maintain the high water quality required for long-term health.
-
Stable water chemistry; they are more resilient than some other Genicanthus but still sensitive to high nitrates.
Why Choose the Lamarck's Angelfish?
The Lamarck's Angelfish is the "workhorse" of the reef-safe angelfish world. It offers a classic, elegant aesthetic without the high price tag or specialized deep-water needs of its cousins like the Bellus or Wantanabei angels. Its hardiness and willingness to eat a variety of prepared foods make it an ideal choice for hobbyists looking to add a large, active angelfish to a coral-heavy system without risking their prized invertebrates.
