Angelfish care guide
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) — minimum tank 150 L, temperature 24-30 °C, pH 6-7.5. Semi-aggressive middle-water species.
Overview
The Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a cichlid from the Amazon basin recognised by its tall, laterally compressed body and elongated dorsal and anal fins. Adults can become territorial during spawning and may predate on very small tank mates.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pterophyllum
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
- Common synonyms: Freshwater Angelfish
Habitat
Inhabits the Amazon and its tributaries — including the Ucayali, Oyapock, Essequibo and Solimões rivers — typically in swamps and flooded forest with dense vegetation and either clear or silty water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (39.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-15 cm
- Temperature: 24-30 °C (75-86 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
An opportunistic carnivore-leaning omnivore. In the wild it consumes small fish fry, juvenile fishes, shrimp, worms, mosquito larvae and water insects. In aquaria offer quality pellet or flake plus frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive species, especially when breeding. Suitable companions include Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco, Rummy-nose Tetra and German Blue Ram. Avoid combining with very small tetras (such as Neon Tetra) which may be eaten, and with fin-nippers such as Tiger Barb.
Breeding
A substrate-spawner. Pairs select and clean a vertical surface — broadleaf plant, rock or aquarium glass — where the female deposits a flat patch of eggs that the male then fertilises. Both parents guard eggs and fry. A live or varied diet supports reproductive performance.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is widespread and most aquarium specimens are captive-bred.