Marble Angelfish Care Guide
Marble Angelfish is a selectively bred form of Pterophyllum scalare with a black-and-silver marbled pattern, one of the oldest captive lines.
Overview
The Marble Angelfish is a captive-bred colour form of Pterophyllum scalare, a freshwater cichlid from the Amazon basin. Selective breeding produced an irregular black marbling over a silver body, a pattern fixed in one of the older established angelfish lines. The body is laterally compressed and tall, typical of the species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pterophyllum
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare "Marble"
- 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 Marble 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. Very small tankmates such as tiny tetras can be eaten, so suitable companions are mid-sized peaceful species; avoid fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids.
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.