The Lamarck's Angelfish Genicanthus lamarck is found in nature among reefs and is on the acquisition list of so many aquarists. Not commonly aquacultured, the majority are wild caught and because of that, they are sometimes difficult to source. The Lamarck's Angelfish carried by LiveAquaria® is from Indonesia.

The Lamarck's Angelfish displays sexual dimorphism, meaning that the difference in appearance between the male and female of the species are clearly recognizable from one another. With vast differences between the two, they are sometimes mistaken for different species. Both males and females have silver bodies with black stripes that run horizontally across its body from its head to its speckled caudal fin. But in the female, one of the stripes is noticeably bolder than the others. The female also has a black dorsal fin, as well as black outlines on the upper and lower areas of its caudal fin. Males are distinguished by a yellow patch on the top of their heads, black pelvic fins, and noticeably elongated lyretail shaped caudal fin with streamers, and have blue dots on their gill spots, as well as areas of blue appearing on their dorsal and anal fins.

Yes, Lamarck's Angelfish are born female with the ability to become male later in life. The change is prompted when there is an absence of a dominant male in the group. This member of the Pomacanthidae family is best kept singly. If conditions exist and there is sufficient tank capacity, they can be kept in one male with a harem of two to six females, or as a mated pair. Quantities of two or more should be introduced to the aquarium at the same time.

The Lamarck's Angelfish (or Lamark Angelfish) is also known as the Freckle Tail Lyretail Angelfish, Black Striped Angelfish, and Swallowtail Angelfish.

With a peaceful temperament, Genicanthus lamarck will grow to nine inches long and require a well-maintained tank of at least one hundred and twenty-five gallons. With a moderate care level, the aquarist choosing to house it should have some experience. Water parameters for this iridescent marine fish are as follows: maintenance of the specific gravity range between 1.020 and 1.025, aquarium water temperature between 72-78° F, a dKH range of between 8 and 12, and pH levels between 8.1-8.4.

This fish is reef compatible and the aquarium it is housed in should include live rock for grazing and hiding within, a sandy substrate, and plenty of room for swimming. Because Angelfish are sensitive to improper water parameters, maintaining pristine conditions is necessary.

They may chase small, docile planktivores such as Anthias, Fairy Wrasses, Flasher Wrasses, and Fire Gobies but will usually ignore other fish, including other Angelfish.

Lamarck's Angelfish are oviparous and breeding in a home aquarium has not been observed. Reproduction takes place in open water after eggs and milt are broadcast spawned, with no care from either parent afterward.

This member of the Pomacanthidae family is an omnivore whose diet should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality Angelfish preparations, and Mysis or frozen shrimp. A varied diet helps optimize coloration and health, and its food should be fed in small amounts multiple times per day. Because it feeds on plankton in the water column and grazes on algae present on rocks and stones, it will require less feeding if there is a lot of natural food available in its environment.

Set your aquarium apart from others when you house a Lamarck's Angelfish. Life with this prized fish in your aquarium may become your claim to fame because you are housing a fish that can be difficult to source. A “must buy” when it is available, add one to your marine or reef aquarium, then call all your friends and let them know you have one!

• Step by Step Reef Aquarium
• Curing Live Rock
• Introducing New Fish to Your Aquarium