Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific namePterophyllum scalare

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asSilver Angelfish, Koi Angelfish, Marble Angelfish, Zebra Angelfish, Gold Angelfish, Platinum Angelfish, Veil Angelfish, Altum-type Angelfish

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size6 in

Minimum tank size30 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-84°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-13 dGH

Appearance

Tall, laterally compressed diamond-shaped body with long trailing dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Wild form is silver with vertical black bars; many strains exist including koi (orange/white/black), marble, zebra, gold, platinum, and long-finned veil types.

Difficulty and care for the Freshwater Angelfish

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Amazon Basin, South America

Keeper notes

Generally peaceful for a cichlid but becomes territorial when breeding and will form a dominance hierarchy. Will eat dwarf shrimp, fry, and very small fish. Best kept as a group of 5+ to diffuse aggression, or as a single bonded pair. Do not house with fin-nippers (tiger barbs) or known angel-nippers; avoid with very fast or aggressive tankmates.

Log Freshwater Angelfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Freshwater Angelfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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