Sunset Blushing Angelfish Care Guide

Sunset Blushing Angelfish is a selectively bred form of Pterophyllum scalare with a pale body and a pink-orange flush across the gill area.

Overview

The Sunset Blushing Angelfish is a captive-bred form of Pterophyllum scalare, a freshwater cichlid from the Amazon basin. It combines the blushing trait, which leaves the gill covers translucent and pinkish, with a pale silver body and a graded pink-orange flush. The body is laterally compressed and tall, as in the wild species.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Pterophyllum
Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare "Sunset Blushing"
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 Sunset Blushing 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.