Cichlids
Angelfish
The angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a freshwater cichlid native to the Amazon River basin in South America.
Species overview
The angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a freshwater cichlid native to the Amazon River basin in South America. It is one of the most recognizable and popular aquarium fishes, known for its laterally compressed body and long, flowing fins. The genus Pterophyllum contains a small number of recognized species, with P. scalare being the most widely kept in the hobby; P. altum and P. leopoldi are also known but are less common in the trade. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a hardy fish when kept in suitable conditions. Angelfish are not schooling fish in the strict sense, but they are social and often do best in groups. They are moderately easy to keep, making them suitable for intermediate aquarists. Their semi-aggressive nature means they can be kept with a variety of tank mates, but small fish may be seen as prey. With proper care, angelfish can live for around 10 years or more in captivity. They are available in numerous color and fin varieties, which has contributed to their enduring popularity in the aquarium hobby. Their intelligence and interactive behavior further add to their appeal among fishkeepers.
Natural habitat and origin
Angelfish are found in the slow-moving, warm waters of the Amazon River system, including tributaries in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. They inhabit areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and fallen branches, which provide cover and territories. The water in their natural habitat is typically soft and acidic, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 °C. The pH can vary from slightly acidic to neutral, often between 6.0 and 7.5. These environments are characterized by dim lighting due to the canopy and tannin-stained water. Angelfish are adapted to these conditions, and replicating them in the aquarium helps maintain their health. They are not migratory but stay within their territories, often near vertical structures like tree trunks or large leaves. In the wild, they are ambush predators that use their compressed body shape to navigate between roots and plants. Seasonal flooding expands their available habitat, allowing them to move into flooded forests. Understanding their natural habitat is key to providing appropriate aquarium conditions, including subdued lighting and gentle water movement.
Appearance and color varieties
Angelfish have a distinctive disc-shaped body with tall, triangular dorsal and anal fins, and long pelvic fins. The caudal fin is fan-shaped. In the wild, they are typically silver with dark vertical stripes, which serve as camouflage among plants and roots. Through selective breeding, many color and pattern varieties have been developed, including black, gold, koi, marble, and albino. Fin types also vary, such as veil tail, super veil, and balloon. The scales are small and the body is covered in a layer of mucus. Adult size varies, but they generally reach 15-25 cm in height and length, with males often developing a more pronounced nuchal hump. Sexual dimorphism is not extreme; males may have a more convex forehead and a thinner ovipositor, while females tend to be rounder when gravid. Wild-type stripes can vary in number and intensity, and some specimens show red or orange accents on the fins. These variations make angelfish a visually striking addition to any suitable aquarium, and new strains continue to be developed by breeders.
Tank setup and water conditions
Angelfish require a tank of at least 110 litres, but larger is better, especially if keeping a group. The aquarium should be tall, as angelfish grow vertically and need swimming space. Filtration should be efficient but not create strong currents, as angelfish prefer calm water. Temperature should be maintained between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is acceptable. Provide hiding places with driftwood, rocks, and broad-leaved plants like Amazon swords. A dark substrate can help bring out their colors. Regular water changes are important to keep nitrate levels low. Angelfish are sensitive to poor water quality, so test parameters regularly. A tight-fitting lid is necessary because they can jump. Lighting should be moderate, and a photoperiod of 8-10 hours is sufficient. These conditions mimic their natural habitat and promote healthy growth. Good water quality, stable temperature, and a varied environment are the mainstays of successful angelfish care.
Diet and feeding
Angelfish are omnivores and will accept a wide variety of foods. A balanced diet should include high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They also enjoy vegetable matter, so offering blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes is beneficial. Feed small amounts two to three times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to health issues and water quality problems. Angelfish are not picky eaters, but they may become accustomed to specific foods, so variety is key. During breeding, they may require more protein-rich foods. Always remove uneaten food to prevent decay. A varied diet helps maintain their vibrant colors and overall vitality. Avoid feeding exclusively on one type of food, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Their natural diet includes small aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and plant matter, so a mix of these food types is appropriate in captivity.
Behavior and tank mates
Angelfish are semi-aggressive cichlids that can be territorial, especially during breeding. They are generally peaceful with fish that are too large to be considered prey, but they will eat small fish like neon tetras. Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, catfish, and loaches. Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs, as they may harass angelfish. Angelfish can be kept singly, in pairs, or in groups, but groups may establish a pecking order. Provide plenty of space and hiding spots to reduce aggression. They are curious and interactive, often recognizing their owners. Breeding pairs can become aggressive towards other fish, so a separate breeding tank is recommended if you intend to raise fry. Overall, angelfish are rewarding but require careful selection of tank mates to maintain a harmonious community. Their behavior can vary with tank size, stocking density, and the presence of established territories, so observation is important.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How many angelfish can I keep in a 110-litre tank? A: A single angelfish can be kept in a 110-litre tank, but for a group, a larger tank is recommended. A common guideline is one angelfish per 40-50 litres, but this depends on filtration and maintenance. Q: Are angelfish suitable for beginners? A: They are generally considered intermediate level because they require stable water conditions and careful tank mate selection. Beginners with some experience can keep them successfully. Q: Do angelfish need a heater? A: Yes, they require warm water between 24 and 28 °C, so a heater is necessary unless the room temperature is consistently within that range. Q: Can angelfish live with goldfish? A: No, goldfish are coldwater fish and have different temperature requirements. Keeping them together is not recommended. Q: How can I tell if my angelfish are male or female? A: It is difficult, but mature males often have a more pointed breeding tube and a slight nuchal hump, while females are rounder when carrying eggs. Q: What size tank do angelfish need? A: A minimum of 110 litres is often cited, but taller tanks are preferred because of their vertical body shape. Q: Do angelfish need to be kept in groups? A: They can be kept singly or in pairs, but groups can work in larger tanks with enough space and hiding spots.