The Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most recognisable aquarium fish — a tall, triangular South American cichlid with long flowing fins.
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The Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most recognisable aquarium fish — a tall, triangular South American cichlid with long flowing fins. Despite the graceful appearance, Angelfish are cichlids — territorial, occasionally aggressive, and capable of eating smaller fish.
Native to the Amazon basin. Lives in slow-moving rivers and flooded forests.
Adults 15 cm tall, 10 cm long, with long flowing fins. Many strains: silver (wild), marble, koi, gold, black, veil, half-black, blushing, and others.
Semi-aggressive cichlids. Adult Angelfish:
Acceptable tankmates: medium peaceful fish (gouramis, peaceful South American cichlids, larger tetras like Black Skirt or Lemon Tetras), Corydoras, plecos.
Minimum: 110 L (30 gallon) tall for one. 200 L+ for groups.
Tall tank suits the body shape. Vertical plants like Amazon swords, driftwood, peaceful flow.
Omnivore. Quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, vegetable matter. 1–2 feedings daily.
8–15 years.
Common concerns:
Pros: elegant appearance, long-lived, interactive, intelligent. Cons: eat small fish, territorial, paired Angels can be tank tyrants.
Can I keep Angels with Neons? Often not safely. Juvenile Angels coexist; adults often eat Neons. Cardinal Tetras (larger) are safer.
How big do they get? 15 cm tall, 10 cm body. Tall tanks suit them.
How long do they live? 8–15 years.
Single Angel or group? Single fish or established mated pair work well. Groups can produce dominance fighting.
The Angelfish — The Elegant Amazonian Cichlid
10–11 minutes
Pair of angelfish gracefully swimming with extended fins. Caption: "TALL TANK NEEDED".
Underwater photograph of two silver-and-black angelfish swimming gracefully with extended dorsal and anal fins, vertically elongated body shape, soft planted background, gentle natural lighting, 85mm lens at f/2.5, professional aquatic photography, elegant graceful pose.
Angelfish are tall elegant Amazonian cichlids — beautiful but territorial. Today: complete angelfish care.
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro Hook 01:00 Origin: Amazon Basin 02:30 Setup: Tall Tank Required 04:00 Diet: Omnivore with Live Foods 05:30 Social: Pairs or Groups of 6+ 07:00 Health: Gill Flukes, Hexamita 08:30 3 Biggest Mistakes New Owners Make 10:00 Are Angelfish Right For You? 11:00 Outro
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"Angelfish are tall, elegant, beautiful Amazonian cichlids — and they are also territorial and prone to nipping small tank mates. They grow to 15 cm tall, live 8–12 years, and need tall tanks. Today: complete angelfish care."
"Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) are South American cichlids from the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Captive-bred for nearly a century. Many colour and pattern varieties exist."
"Tank minimum: 200 litres tall. Height critical — at least 50 cm — for tall finnage. Filtration: standard. Heater: 24–28°C. Substrate: sand or gravel. Plants and driftwood essential. Cycled tank."
"Pellets or flake for cichlids. Frozen or live: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia 2–3 times weekly. Vegetables: blanched spinach, peas."
"Angelfish form pairs. Pairs in a 200-litre tank work well. Groups of 6 or more reduce individual aggression. Tank mates: avoid neon tetras and very small fish (eaten as adults). Compatible with corydoras, larger tetras (rummy nose, lemon), peaceful gouramis."
"Lifespan 8–12 years. Gill flukes. Hexamita (hole-in-the-head). Ich. Find an aquatic vet."
"Mistake one: short tank. Stunts finnage. How to avoid: 50+ cm height. Mistake two: neon tetras as tank mates. Eaten by adults. How to avoid: larger tetras. Mistake three: under-cycled tank. Sensitive species. How to avoid: fully cycled before adding."
"Checklist: Tall 200+ litre tank. Cycled and heated. Appropriate tank mates. Aquatic vet identified. 8-12 year commitment. Tick four — angelfish are stunning."
"That is the angelfish — elegant Amazonian cichlid. Next species? Comment below. Subscribe and the bell. Next week: the discus — the king of the Amazon tank." (End screen: subscribe button, 'watch next: Discus' thumbnail, channel logo)