Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare · Cichlidae
Also known as Freshwater angelfish, Scalare
Intermediate
Tall Amazonian cichlid that needs height, warmth and tank mates it cannot swallow.
In short: An angelfish needs at least 200 L (53 US gal), water at 24–30 °C (75–86 °F) and pH 6–7.5. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Adult size
- 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 200 L (53 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C (75–86 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 3–15 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — pellets, flake, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Amazon basin
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Slow, structure-filled backwaters
- Natural conditions
- Warm, soft, acidic water among vertical roots and stems.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- Rummynose tetraCorydorasBristlenose plecoDiscus
- Avoid
- Neon tetraGuppyTiger barbShrimp
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Hard outside spawning; females show a blunt ovipositor.
- Notes
- Pairs form naturally and lay on vertical surfaces; they defend eggs hard.
- Common ailments
- Hexamita/hole-in-the-headIchGill flukes
Will it fit your tank?
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