Angelfish - Assorted Blushing

Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), often referred to simply as the Scalare, is one of the most popular and iconic tropical aquarium fish in the world. Native to the Amazon River basin in South America, they are renowned for their distinctive, triangular, laterally compressed bodies and long, flowing fins.

Overview and Traits

• Size: In captivity, they can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and an impressive 8 to 12 inches (20–30 cm) in height from the tip of the dorsal fin to the bottom of the anal fin.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 10 to 12 years in an aquarium.
• Appearance: Wild-type angels are metallic silver with prominent vertical black stripes. However, decades of captive breeding have resulted in stunning varieties like Gold, Marble, Koi, Zebra, and Veiltail.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, P. scalare inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated areas of swamps, floodplains, and flooded forests. Their laterally compressed body shape is an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to slip effortlessly through dense roots and stems without tearing their delicate fins.

Aquarium Care Guide

Tank Size

• A minimum of 20 to 29 gallons is required for a juvenile, but adults need at least a 55-gallon tank (preferably 48 inches long and tall) to allow for proper fin extension and swimming space.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75° to 84°F (24°–29°C)
• pH: 6.0 to 7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (5° to 15° dH)

Diet

• As omnivores, they readily accept high-quality flakes and pellets, but they thrive best when supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Tank Mates and Temperament

While not aggressively predatory like many other cichlids, angelfish are opportunistic hunters.

Compatible Tank Mates

• Peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size, such as:
  • Larger tetras (e.g., bleeding heart or lemon tetras)
  • Gouramis
  • Corydoras
  • Peaceful bottom dwellers

Fish to Avoid

• Small schooling fish that can fit into the angelfish's mouth (e.g., neon tetras or guppies).
• Fin-nipping species like tiger barbs, which will easily damage the angelfish's flowing fins.

With their striking beauty and graceful movements, angelfish are a timeless favorite for aquarists of all levels, bringing a touch of elegance to any freshwater aquarium.