Albino Angelfish Care Guide
Albino Angelfish is a selectively bred form of Pterophyllum scalare with a white-pink body and red eyes due to absence of dark pigment.
Overview
The Albino Angelfish is a captive-bred form of Pterophyllum scalare, a freshwater cichlid from the Amazon basin. The albino trait removes dark melanin pigment, giving a white to pale-pink body and red eyes. The body is laterally compressed and tall, as in the wild species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pterophyllum
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare "Albino"
- Wild form: Pterophyllum scalare
Habitat
The wild ancestor occurs across the Amazon basin, recorded from Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil in rivers such as the Ucayali, Solimões, Essequibo and Oyapock. It lives in swamps and flooded areas with dense vegetation, in clear or silty slow-moving water. The Albino form is bred in captivity.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-29 °C (75-84 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Adult size: 12-15 cm body height
Diet
Pterophyllum scalare is omnivorous. Wild fish feed mainly on zoobenthos, including worms, insect larvae, small crustaceans and small fish. Captive-bred specimens accept quality flake and pellet foods and benefit from live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp.
Compatibility
Angelfish are generally peaceful but may squabble among themselves, so a small group is recommended. They swim in the middle of the water column. Albino fish can have reduced vision, so calm tankmates are preferable; very small tankmates such as tiny tetras can be eaten, and fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Angelfish spawn on vertical surfaces such as broad leaves or slates, cleaning the site beforehand. Pairs form and both parents guard the eggs and fry, though they may eat the brood if disturbed or underfed. Sexing is difficult outside of spawning.