Genicanthus Lamarck: An Elegant, Reef-Safe Angelfish

By Jeff Kurtz

Owing to the natural tendency of many species to nip at or outright consume sessile invertebrates, angelfishes are often of dubious suitability when it comes to their inclusion in reef aquariums. However, at least one angelfish—Lamarck’s angel (Genicanthus lamarck)—is generally very well behaved in reef systems and quite attractive to boot.

Physical traits

G. lamarck reaches about 9 inches in total length and possesses the lyre-shaped tail typical of its genus (the common name “swallow-tail angels” is often ascribed to Genicanthus species). While not the most chromatically gifted of the angels, it’s quite attractively patterned nonetheless. Also, adults of this species exhibit sexual dichromatism—distinct color differences between the sexes.

Both genders are grayish-white overall with black, horizontal stripes on their flanks; a black band running just below the top edge of the dorsal fin; and small black dots on the tail, anal fin, and rear of the dorsal fin. However, they differ in that the black dorsal band and the top horizontal stripe are much more pronounced on the female, the female has black on the top and bottom edges of the tail while the male does not, and the male’s pelvic fins are black …read more

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