Angelfish are a stunning and graceful freshwater species, known for their elegant, triangular fins and striking color variations. These peaceful yet semi-aggressive cichlids thrive in community aquariums with the right tank mates and conditions. With their calm swimming behaviour and unique personalities, they make a beautiful centrepiece fish for any planted or well-aquascaped aquarium.

These fish prefer soft, slightly acidic water and require plenty of vertical swimming space. Their omnivorous diet includes high-quality flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods, ensuring balanced nutrition. They are intelligent and social, forming strong bonds with their tank mates and displaying interesting behaviours.

Key Features:

•Elegant, Tall Fins & Striking Color Variations

•Great for Community Tanks with Peaceful Species

•Intelligent & Social, Displaying Unique Personalities

•Requires Vertical Swimming Space & Planted Environments

•Omnivorous Diet: Flakes, Pellets, Live & Frozen Foods

Suitable For:

•Community aquariums with non-aggressive tank mates

•Medium to large-sized freshwater aquariums

•Aquarists looking for a beautiful and intelligent fish species

Care Instructions:

Keep in a well-maintained tank with stable water parameters (pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 24-28°C). Provide plenty of swimming space and vertical structures such as plants or driftwood. Feed a balanced diet including flakes, pellets, and live foods.

Natural Habitat & Origin:

The Pterophyllum scalare are native to slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and tributaries of the Amazon Basin in South America, where they inhabit warm, soft, and slightly acidic waters. They are often found in densely planted areas with driftwood and submerged roots, which provide shelter and breeding grounds.

Size & Lifespan:

•They can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length and around 20 cm (8 inches) in height, including their extended fins.

•With proper care, they can live for 8-10 years, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.

Behaviour & Temperament:

•Social & Intelligent – curious and interactive, often recognising their owners and following them around the tank.

•Semi-Aggressive Cichlid – While generally peaceful, they may become territorial, especially when breeding or in confined spaces.

•Best kept in groups of 4-6 to establish a natural hierarchy and reduce aggression.

Tank Setup & Requirements:

•Tank Size: A minimum of 100L (26 gallons) for a single fish; larger tanks (200L/50 gallons+) are recommended for groups.

•Water Parameters:

•Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)

•pH Level: 6.5-7.5

•Water Hardness: 3-10 dGH

•Substrate & Decorations: Fine sand or smooth gravel, driftwood, and live or artificial plants to mimic their natural environment.

•Filtration & Water Flow: A gentle but efficient filter is required; avoid strong currents, as angelfish prefer calm waters.

•Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal, especially if keeping live plants.

Diet & Feeding:

Omnivores that require a varied diet, including:

•High-Quality Flakes or Pellets (formulated for cichlids or tropical fish)

•Live & Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms for protein.

•Vegetables & Plant Matter: Blanched spinach, zucchini, or spirulina-based food for added nutrition.

•Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily in small amounts to prevent overeating.

Breeding & Reproduction:

•Monogamous Pairing: Once they select a mate, they typically bond for life.

•Egg Laying: Females lay eggs on flat surfaces, such as broad leaves, aquarium glass, or driftwood.

•Parental Care: known to guard and care for their eggs, protecting them from tank mates.

•Fry Development: Eggs hatch in about 48 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after 4-5 days.

Types of Angelfish (Subject to availability):

1. Silver Angelfish (Wild Type)

•The classic coloration, closely resembling their wild Amazonian ancestors.

•Features silver bodies with three dark vertical stripes, which help them blend into natural environments.

2. Veil

•Known for their extra-long, flowing fins, giving them an elegant, delicate appearance.

•Comes in various color patterns, including silver, gold, and koi varieties.

3. Marble

•Displays a mix of black, silver, and gold marbled patterns across the body.

•No two fish have the exact same pattern, making them a unique addition to any aquarium.

4. Koi Angelfish

•Inspired by the colour patterns of koi fish, these fish have white, orange, and black markings.

•Their colors may darken or lighten depending on their mood and environment.

5. Gold

•A solid gold or yellow variation with a shimmering, metallic appearance.

•Lacks the traditional black stripes found in silver variant.

6. Zebra

•Similar to silver variety but with extra vertical black stripes, resembling a zebra pattern.

•Adds a bold, striped look to aquariums.

7. Black Angelfish

•A striking, solid black fish that contrasts beautifully in planted tanks.

•Can range from deep jet black to a faint smoky appearance, depending on genetics.

8. Platinum Angelfish

•A stunning, solid white fish with a pearlescent sheen.

•Looks especially elegant in dim lighting or heavily planted aquariums.

9. Albino Angelfish

•Features pure white bodies and red eyes, lacking dark pigmentation.

•A rare and highly sought-after variation.

10. Blushing Angelfish

•Identified by red or pink coloration on the gill plates, giving a “blushing” effect.

•Often paired with silver or white body tones.

Each of the angelfish types offers a unique visual appeal, allowing aquarists to mix and match different types for a stunning, dynamic tank display. Regardless of their coloration, all of these fish share the same peaceful-yet-social nature, making them an excellent choice for medium to large community aquariums.