Lamarck Angelfish - Male - Genicanthus lamarck

Medium

$119.99

$119.99 $149.99

Lamarck Angelfish - Male - Genicanthus lamarck

Angelfish EXPERT ONLY Reef Safe

$119.99

$119.99 $149.99

SKU: ANGELxLamarMaleM

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Diet

marine algae spirulina sponge-based foods mysis shrimp

Min Tank Size 150 gallons

Temperament Semi-aggressive

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Diet and Feeding: Lamarck Angelfish are primarily omnivorous, feeding in the wild on algae, benthic detritus, small crustaceans, tunicates, and other encrusting marine growth. In captivity, it is beneficial to make marine algae and vegetable-based foods the bulk of the diet, including nori, dried seaweed, spirulina-rich flakes, and high-quality marine angelfish pellets. To ensure balanced nutrition, supplement regularly with mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped clam, and other marine fare in modest portions. Offering seaweed on a clip encourages natural foraging and grazing behavior, while frozen foods can be fed in small amounts that are quickly consumed. Provide multiple small feedings daily, and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality and long-term health.

marine algae spirulina sponge-based foods mysis shrimp

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

The Lamarck Angelfish is an active, open-water swimmer that spends much of its time cruising the water column and should be housed in a spacious aquarium with plenty of unobstructed swimming room as well as a few hiding spots and overhangs. It is generally peaceful to mildly semi-aggressive, with males showing territorial behavior toward conspecifics, especially in smaller or sparsely structured systems. A minimum tank size of 120 gallons is recommended, and a layout with rockwork and visual barriers helps reduce stress and limit territorial interactions. This species is one of the more reef-safe angelfishes and typically coexists well with corals and other non-aggressive tank mates, though very small ornamental crustaceans may occasionally be at risk. In nature it is primarily planktivorous and omnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and small suspended foods while also accepting a varied prepared diet in captivity. Regular offerings of enriched frozen foods, fine pellets, and meaty planktonic fare support its health and natural grazing-hunting behavior.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 150 gallons
Max Size: 12 inches
Care Level: Hard
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Safe: Yes

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Hard

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

Is the Lamarck Angelfish truly reef-safe, and what corals or invertebrates is it most likely to bother?

The Lamarck Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarcki) is one of the most reef-friendly angelfish species you can keep. Unlike most “large angels,” it usually ignores SPS, LPS, soft corals, clams, and most ornamental inverts. That said, no angelfish is 100% guaranteed: an individual may occasionally sample zoanthids, fleshy LPS, or clam mantles if underfed or stressed. In a well-fed, mature reef, it’s generally considered a very safe choice.

How can I tell male and female Lamarck Angelfish apart, and do they change sex in captivity?

Yes, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as females and the dominant fish can transition to male. Females are typically darker overall with a more uniform pattern, while males develop stronger contrast, a more striking yellow-and-blue tail pattern, and a more pronounced facial mask. In a pair or group, if the male is removed, the largest female may eventually transform into a male over time. This is especially useful if you want to keep a bonded pair, but the transition is not immediate.

What size tank does a Lamarck Angelfish need, and is it okay in a standard mixed reef?

A single Lamarck Angelfish should ideally be kept in at least 125 gallons, with 180+ gallons being better if you want long-term stability and more natural swimming space. They are active open-water swimmers and appreciate strong flow and plenty of open area. They do very well in a mature mixed reef, especially with rockwork that provides shelter but doesn’t crowd the tank. They are not a good fit for small tanks or cramped aquascapes.

What should I feed a Lamarck Angelfish to keep its color and prevent it from picking at corals?

Feed a varied diet heavy on marine-based foods: mysis shrimp, enriched frozen brine, chopped seafood, angel preparations with sponge material, and quality pellets or flakes with marine protein. Seaweed/nori is also helpful. These fish are plankton-feeders in the wild, so multiple small feedings per day are ideal. A well-fed Lamarck is much less likely to investigate corals or nip at tankmates’ food.

Is the Lamarck Angelfish aggressive, and what fish does it usually do best with?

Lamarck Angelfish are generally peaceful for an angelfish, but they can still be assertive toward other angelfish, similarly shaped fish, and sometimes other plankton-feeding open-water species. They usually do best with tangs, wrasses, anthias, larger gobies, and other calm-to-moderate community reef fish. Avoid combining them with highly territorial dwarf angels or multiple large angels unless the tank is very large and stocked strategically. Introduce them carefully, ideally after more aggressive fish have already settled.

Goes well with:

You will receive a fish SIMILAR in design and size to the fish in the photo. This is NOT a WYSIWYG fish.

Introduction to Saltwater Angelfish

Saltwater Angelfish are a striking and diverse group of fish known for their vibrant colors, bold personalities, and dynamic swimming patterns. Found in tropical reefs across the Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, and other warm-water regions, they range from small dwarf angelfish to large, show-stopping species. While they make a beautiful addition to a marine aquarium, their care level varies by species, and some may pose challenges for reef tanks.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Moderate to Difficult (species-dependent) Minimum Tank Size: 50 – 250+ gallons Dwarf species (e.g., Coral Beauty, Flame Angel) – 50-75 gallons Larger species (e.g., Emperor, Queen Angelfish) – 180+ gallons Angelfish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork for grazing and hiding spots. Larger species need more swimming space and a structured environment to minimize aggression.

Diet & Nutrition

Diet: Omnivorous – Requires a varied diet for optimal health

Recommended Foods:

High-quality marine flakes or pellets Spirulina and algae sheets Frozen or fresh foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood Sponges and tunicates (especially for large angelfish species) Providing a diet rich in both plant-based and meaty foods ensures proper nutrition, coloration, and longevity. Regular grazing on established live rock also benefits their digestive health.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 10-15+ years (species-dependent) Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast – Larger species can reach 12-18 inches in adulthood Saltwater Angelfish are a long-term commitment, requiring stable tank conditions and a well-planned diet to reach their full lifespan and size.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive – Can be territorial, especially toward similar species Reef Safe? With Caution – Many will nip at coral polyps, clams, and sessile invertebrates Angelfish can be dominant in community tanks, particularly in smaller setups. If keeping multiple angelfish, it’s best to introduce them at the same time in a large tank with ample rockwork to establish separate territories.

Common Challenges & Considerations

Aggression Levels: Many angelfish become more territorial as they mature. Keeping them in a large tank with plenty of rockwork helps minimize aggression. Finicky Eaters: Some species (e.g., Regal Angelfish) can be slow to accept prepared foods. Initially offering live or frozen food can help with the transition. Disease Susceptibility: Angelfish are prone to Marine Ich and Velvet, making quarantining new additions highly recommended. A well-maintained tank with stable parameters is key to preventing stress-related illnesses. Water Conditions Temperature: 74-82°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Maintaining stable water conditions with high-quality filtration is crucial for their health. Many species are sensitive to poor water quality, requiring regular water changes. Color Varieties Saltwater Angelfish come in a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns. Some popular species include: Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) – Blue and yellow stripes, with a mesmerizing juvenile pattern Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) – Intense red-orange body with black vertical bars Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) – Elegant yellow, blue, and white banding French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) – Black body with yellow accents, commonly found in the Caribbean