Platinum Angelfish Care Guide
Platinum Angelfish is a selectively bred solid white-silver form of Pterophyllum scalare, a tall-bodied Amazonian cichlid.
Overview
The Platinum Angelfish is a captive-bred colour form of Pterophyllum scalare, a freshwater cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Selective breeding has fixed a solid white to silver body with a metallic sheen, eliminating the wild type's vertical barring. Like all angelfish, it has a laterally compressed, tall body adapted to life among submerged vegetation.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pterophyllum
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare "Platinum"
- Wild form: Pterophyllum scalare
Habitat
The wild ancestor occurs across the Amazon basin, recorded from Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil in river systems including the Ucayali, Solimões, Essequibo and Oyapock. It inhabits swamps and flooded areas with dense vegetation, in clear or silty slow-moving water. The Platinum form is produced entirely 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 readily 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 occupy the middle level of the water column. Very small tankmates such as tiny tetras can be eaten, so suitable companions are mid-sized peaceful species; avoid known fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
Angelfish spawn on vertical surfaces such as broad leaves or slates, cleaning the site before laying. Pairs form and both parents guard the eggs and fry, although they may eat the brood if disturbed or underfed. Sexing is difficult outside of spawning.