
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Genicanthus lamarck
A silvery-white angelfish with black horizontal stripes; males and females are patterned differently. As a plankton feeder, it is one of the few angelfish considered reef-safe.
Lamarck's angelfish (Genicanthus lamarck) ranges through the western Pacific from the Indo-Malayan region east to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef (FishBase), reaching 25 cm TL. It is silvery white with black horizontal stripes and a lyre-shaped, black-speckled tail. The sexes differ: females have a broader upper stripe running to the tail margin, while males have a blue spot at the pectoral base and black pelvic fins. It feeds on plankton in midwater along reef slopes and drop-offs, in harems of 3-7 fish. Genicanthus is the only zooplankton-feeding group among the angelfishes, and both Saltcorner and LiveAquaria rate it as reef-safe. It needs a large tank with open swimming space; feed mysis, frozen brine shrimp and angelfish foods several times a day, and keep only one male per tank. It is a staple in Japanese specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Lamarck's angelfish grows to Up to 25 cm TL.
The ideal temperature for the Lamarck's angelfish is 21〜26℃.
Origin
Western Pacific (Indo-Malayan region to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef)
Size
Up to 25 cm TL
Temperature
21〜26℃
Sources: FishBase (Genicanthus lamarck) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans) / LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Zooplankton feeder
21-26°C, specific gravity 1.020-1.026 (Saltcorner).
About 570 L (150 gallons) or more, with open space for midwater swimming.
It may chase small, docile planktivores such as anthias and fairy wrasses. One male per tank.
Regarded as a reef-safe angelfish that rarely nips corals.
A plankton feeder in the wild. Feed mysis, frozen brine shrimp and angelfish foods several times a day, adding spirulina-based food occasionally.
It may hide at first but comes out into midwater once settled. Use a container rather than a net because of the cheek spine.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Lamarck's angelfish is 21〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Lamarck's angelfish typically reaches Up to 25 cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Lamarck's angelfish feeds on: Zooplankton feeder. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Lamarck's angelfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026