Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)



Scientific Name(s): Pterophyllum scalare

Common Name(s): Angelfish

Origin: Found in South America in the Amazon and Negro rivers

Family: Cichlidae

Species Type: New world South American cichlid

Maximum Size: 6 in/15 cm

Life Span: 10 years

Natural Habitat: Found in the reed beds of the Amazon and Negro rivers

Diet: Frozen and prepared foods including Cichlid pellets, flake, worms, shrimp, etc... Angelfish can also benefit from vegetable matter as part of their regular diet.

Temperature: 75-82°/ 24°-28°C

pH: 5.5-7.5

Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons

Tank Region: middle

Temperament: The angelfish is a fairly peaceful fish. They can be territorial.

Possible Tank Mates: Angelfish should be housed with other angelfish or certain smaller peaceful schooling fish which are large enough not to be seen as food. Their tank mates should also not be fin nippers such as barbs due to the angel’s long fins.

Filtration and Setup: Good filtration is recommended without a huge amount of current. A planted tank with smaller gravel or sandy base is preferred.

Coloration: Angels have several different color variations some of which include silver, gold, black, koi, marbled, blushing and combinations of all of the above.

Breeding: Angels will spawn very similarly to other cichlids. They will spawn on a horizontal or vertical surface which the male and female will usually clean off with their mouths prior to spawning. The female will lay her eggs in a row and the male will follow close behind and fertilize the eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized one of the parents will guard the eggs until they hatch. After approximately 3 days the eggs will hatch out and become “wigglers”. The fry are not free swimming at this point and will live off the nutrients in their egg sacks. In another 5 to 7 days the fry will become free swimming and will then need to be fed. Baby brine shrimp or crushed (powdered) flake should be offered 3 to 4 times a day minimum. The parents are typically protective of the brood and can be aggressive towards other inhabitants.