Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–86°F (24–30°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 5.9 in (15 cm)
Minimum tank: 30 gal (115 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Easy
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Very common
Origin: South America
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

Give them a tall tank around 115 liters or larger because of their height. They occupy the middle of the tank and are mostly peaceful, but they are still cichlids and a bonded pair will defend a spawning site. Avoid tiny fish like small tetras, which can end up eaten, and avoid fin-nippers. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes or pellets with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

In the wild

Angelfish come from slow rivers and flooded forests in South America, often among tree roots and tall plants. The water is warm and on the soft, slightly acidic side. Their tall body suits a deep tank with vertical structure like driftwood and broad-leaved plants. Aim for warm water in the mid to high 20s C with a pH from 6 to 7.5.

Good to know

Angelfish are cichlids in the family Cichlidae, reaching around 15 cm long and noticeably taller than that fin to fin. They are substrate spawners that lay eggs on a vertical surface like a leaf or piece of slate. The fish sold today are mostly tank-bred, with many color and fin strains available. There is no consistent hobby breeding-mode record attached to this entry.

Did you know

Angelfish often pair off for life and will work together to guard their eggs, fanning them with their fins to keep water moving and picking off any that go bad. A practiced pair will spawn again and again on the same favorite leaf or slate.