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.
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).