Angelfish
The Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most recognisable aquarium fish - a tall, triangular South American cichlid with long flowing fins.
Overview
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.
Natural History
Native to the Amazon basin. Lives in slow-moving rivers and flooded forests.
Appearance
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.
Temperament & Tankmates
Semi-aggressive cichlids. Adult Angelfish:
- Eat small fish like Neon Tetras (adults can fit Neons in their mouths).
- Are territorial during breeding.
- Bonded pairs are typically the most aggressive - drive other tankmates away from their territory.
Acceptable tankmates: medium peaceful fish (gouramis, peaceful South American cichlids, larger tetras like Black Skirt or Lemon Tetras), Corydoras, plecos.
Tank Size & Setup
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.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24-28°C.
- pH: 6.5-7.5.
- Soft to moderately hard water.
Diet
Omnivore. Quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, vegetable matter. 1-2 feedings daily.
Health & Lifespan
8-15 years.
Common concerns:
- Ich.
- Hexamita (hole-in-the-head).
- Fin rot.
- Internal parasites in newly imported stock.
Pros & Cons
Pros: elegant appearance, long-lived, interactive, intelligent. Cons: eat small fish, territorial, paired Angels can be tank tyrants.
Angelfish - frequently asked questions
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.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the fish
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our fish. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This tiny schooling fish glows with an iridescent blue stripe and a red streak along its rear half.
It's the Neon Tetra - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Native to the rice paddies of Southeast Asia, this fish has a special organ that lets it gulp air directly from the surface to survive low-oxygen water.
It's the Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Renowned for intelligence and complex breeding behavior, members of this freshwater group are a textbook example of explosive evolutionary radiation.
It's the Cichlid (Overview) - read the full profile →