Lamarck's Angelfish

About

The Blackstriped Angelfish (Genicanthus lamarck) is one of the more unusual members of the angelfish family, and once you understand what makes the Genicanthus genus tick, it becomes a genuinely compelling choice for a reef-capable display. Unlike most large angels, this species feeds primarily on zooplankton in the wild rather than picking at sessile invertebrates, which makes it considerably more reef-safe than its cousins. Males and females look quite different from one another. Males display a series of dark horizontal stripes running along a pale body, while females tend to be cleaner and plainer in pattern. Both sexes share the elegant lyretail fin shape that defines the genus. In the wild, this species is found across a broad Indo-Pacific range including East African coastal waters, typically patrolling mid-water columns on outer reef slopes and drop-offs where current delivers a steady supply of drifting prey. That open-water, current-swept lifestyle is worth keeping in mind when setting up a tank. Good flow and vertical swimming space suit this fish well. It's generally peaceful toward other species and even tolerant within its own kind under the right conditions, which is a notable contrast to most angels. Intermediate care experience is recommended, mainly to meet its needs for water quality and appropriate tank scale.