Female Lamarck's Angelfish - Medium

While not the most brightly coloured Angelfish they are one of the most delicate looking. Lamarck's Angelfish have a white body with distinctive horizontal black stripes. Females of the species are distinctive due to the uppermost stripe smoothly arching over the wide part of their backs. They also have a matching stripe on the top part of their tail.

Females also lack a specific blue spot on the pectoral fin which is present on the males. The differing features of the sexes has led them to be described as different species occasionally. Breeding has been successful, but only in large enough aquariums. Spawning is not normally observed in smaller scale home aquariums.

The Female Lamarck's Angelfish are an easy species to look after. Two females will not act aggressively towards each other, but two males can be territorial and the weaker male will eventually transform into females.

These fish are originally from the Indo-West Pacific region from the Great Barrier Reef up to Southern Japan. They are found in a range of habitats including reef crests and steep slopes. They live in depths between 10 and 40 metres alone or in small groups.

Tank Recommendations for Female Lemarck's Angelfish

The smallest tank size required for this species is 280 litres for one fish with a size of 350 recommended for multiple fish.

They will do well with plenty of live rock and lots of wide open swimming space. Be sure to provide areas of water movement throughout the day.

They will tend to hang out in the middle area of the aquarium but they will appreciate hiding places. A well fitted aquarium lid is required as they have been known to jump out of the tank on occasion.

Suitable Tank Buddies

This is a peaceful species that will ignore most other species but they can occasionally chase smaller fish. They are reef compatible so no worries about them harassing your corals. They will get along best with large aggressive and semi aggressive fish.

Usually Compatible

These fish will get along great with Frogfish, Blennies and Butterflyfish. Clownfish, Damselfish and Eels will also make excellent tank buddies. Other species which shouldn't have a problem with are Filefish, Goatfish and Groupers. Grunts, Hawkfish and Hogfish are other wonderful options too.

Sometime Compatible

Batfish, Boxfish and Cardinalfish can sometimes be problematic. Other species will need to have a close eye kept on them include Dragonettes, crustaceans and Gobies. Invertebrates and Triggerfish should also be watched carefully. Sharks can sometimes prey upon this species of Angelfish so select them appropriately for their size.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid keeping them with Rays and other large Angelfish. Seahorses and Pipefish may be too intimidated to come out and eat in the presence of this species.

Feeding your Female Lemarck's Angelfish

These fish are zooplanktivores in the wild but in captivity they will thrive on an omnivorous diet. They will do well on typical angelfish protein based foods. Most of their diet should consist of meat based foods such as mysis and brine shrimp as well as chopped fish and shrimp. Feed them small amounts at least twice a day. Higher temperature tanks may need a higher frequency of feedings. Flake and pellet food is also acceptable.