Leopold's Angelfish Care Guide
Pterophyllum leopoldi is the smallest angelfish of its genus, native to the Amazon basin and Guyana, with a single dark patch over the gill cover.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pterophyllum leopoldi is the smallest species in the angelfish genus Pterophyllum. It is less common in the aquarium hobby than other angelfish. The species was described by Gosse in 1963 and named in honour of King Leopold III of Belgium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pterophyllum
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum leopoldi (Gosse, 1963)
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Amazon River basin along the Solimoes-Amazon between Manacapuru and Santarem, and in the Rupununi River of the Essequibo drainage in Guyana. It inhabits slower-flowing waters with rooty overhangs and floating vegetation, in both clear and tannin-stained water, where it stays close to cover.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (about 40 gal)
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 5-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Group size: keep in a group of 4 or more
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
Pterophyllum leopoldi is omnivorous. In the wild it feeds on small crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates, and it shows more interest in green foods and algae than related angelfish. In aquaria it accepts prepared pellet and flake foods and readily takes live or frozen foods.
Compatibility
This is one of the more aggressive Pterophyllum towards its own kind, so keeping a group of at least four helps spread out any bullying. It occupies the middle water column. Seriously Fish lists suitable companions as medium-sized tetras, Corydoras, loricariid catfish, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful soft-water community fish.
Breeding
The species forms monogamous pairs and is a substrate spawner that deposits eggs on a vertical surface. Both parents guard the eggs and the resulting fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020 (FishBase).
Leopold's Angelfish Breeding Guide
Overview
Leopold's angelfish (Pterophyllum leopoldi) is the smallest angelfish, reaching about 10 cm SL, and is native to the Amazon River (between Manacapuru and Santarém), the Essequibo and the Rupununi. It is distinguished by the absence of a pre-dorsal notch and a black blotch at the dorsal insertion on the fourth vertical bar. It is a substrate spawner but is regarded as notably difficult to breed in aquaria. Breeding behaviour described here follows the genus Pterophyllum.
Sexing
It is very difficult to accurately identify the sex of any Pterophyllum individual until it is nearly ready to breed and the breeding tubes appear. Allowing a group to pair off naturally is the usual approach.
Breeding Setup
- Soft, slightly acidic water in line with its Amazonian range
- A vertical spawning surface such as a broad leaf, slate or piece of wood
- A quiet, stable tank to encourage a settled pair
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
In Pterophyllum, eggs are usually laid on a submerged log, a flattened leaf or even filter piping in aquaria. The pair spends one or two days picking detritus and algae off the chosen surface; the female then deposits a line of eggs followed by the male fertilising them, repeating until the clutch is laid.
Egg & Fry Care
Both parents provide highly developed brood care, fanning the eggs with their pectoral fins to keep water circulating. The eggs hatch within a few days and the fry remain attached to the spawning substrate, detaching to become free-swimming after about a week, when they can be offered appropriately sized live food.
Common Challenges
P. leopoldi is uncommon in the hobby and notably difficult to breed. Sexing is unreliable until spawning, and pairs may eat early clutches before establishing consistent parental care.