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Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare): Complete Care Guide, Species & Varieties

[Image: Hero image of freshwater angelfish in a planted aquarium]

Angelfish are among the most recognizable freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Native to slow, plant-rich waters of the Amazon basin, these elegant fish combine a distinctive triangular body with flowing fins and striking color varieties. This guide covers natural origins, general appearance and behavior, tank requirements, diet and feeding, ongoing maintenance, and a detailed overview of angelfish species and popular aquarium varieties.

Introduction to Angelfish

“Angelfish” usually refers to the freshwater species Pterophyllum scalare, widely kept by aquarists around the world. You will also encounter the closely related Pterophyllum altum and the rarer Pterophyllum leopoldi. Thanks to their graceful form and calm, inquisitive nature, angelfish are a staple of planted community aquariums and a favorite for aquarists who enjoy observing natural behavior.

[Image: Close-up portrait highlighting the triangular body and tall dorsal/anal fins]

Natural Habitat & Origins

Freshwater angelfish originate from South America, primarily in the Amazon River system and its tributaries. They inhabit slow-moving backwaters, floodplains, and oxbow lakes with submerged roots, branches, and dense vegetation. These areas are warm, soft to moderately hard, and often slightly acidic.

In the wild, angelfish use vertical cover—such as reed stems, sword plants, and driftwood—to hide and establish small territories. Replicating this structure in the aquarium helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.

[Image: Amazon biotope with roots, leaf litter, and tall plants]

General Appearance & Behavior

Angelfish are laterally compressed, forming a tall, triangular profile. Adult size in home aquariums typically ranges from 10–15 cm (4–6 in) body length with total height (including long fins) up to 20–25 cm (8–10 in). Select lines such as veil angelfish develop extra-long fins.

Behavior is generally peaceful but confident. Angelfish are alert, interact with keepers, and often cruise the mid-water column. They appreciate visual barriers and vertical structures that allow them to retreat or patrol. Average lifespan in good conditions is 6–10 years, with some individuals living longer.

[Image: Side profile showing scale pattern and fin extension]

Tank Requirements

Minimum tank size: For a small group of juvenile angelfish, start at 120–150 liters (30–40 gallons). Tall tanks are advantageous because of the species’ body height and fin length. Larger volumes (200+ liters / 55+ gallons) offer better stability and swimming space for adult fish.

Water parameters: Temperature 24–28 °C (75–82 °F); pH 6.2–7.5; general hardness soft to moderately hard. Stability is more important than chasing exact numbers—aim for consistent, clean, warm water with adequate oxygenation.

Aquascape & décor: Provide vertical plants (e.g., Amazon swords, vallisneria), branching wood, and tall rock/driftwood features. Use open mid-water lanes for easy swimming, and darker substrate to make colors stand out. Floating plants can diffuse light and add security.

Filtration & flow: Use efficient biological filtration with gentle to moderate flow. Angelfish prefer calm areas; direct strong currents away from their favored cruising zones.

[Image: Tall planted tank layout with open swim areas and driftwood]

Diet & Feeding

Wild angelfish are opportunistic omnivores that feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, zooplankton, and plant matter. In aquariums, offer a balanced diet to support growth, coloration, and long-term health.

Staples: High-quality flakes or slow-sinking pellets formulated for cichlids or community fish.

Protein rotation: Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, blackworms, and mosquito larvae (where legal). Rotate items to avoid nutrient gaps.

Vegetable component: Occasional blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods can improve digestion and color vibrancy.

Feeding schedule: 1–2 modest meals per day. Offer portions consumed within 1–2 minutes. Periodic “light” days (reduced portions) help prevent overfeeding.

[Image: Feeding moment—angelfish taking small pellets mid-water]

Aquarium Care & Maintenance

Consistent maintenance keeps angelfish thriving. Perform weekly or bi-weekly partial water changes (20–35%) depending on bioload and tank size. Vacuum light debris without overly disturbing rooted plants. Rinse filter media in removed tank water to preserve beneficial bacteria. Monitor temperature, pH, and nitrogen cycle markers; stability is the key metric of success.

[Image: Water change and testing kit next to a planted tank]

How Big Do Angelfish Get?

In typical home aquariums, body length reaches about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) with total height commonly 20–25 cm (8–10 in). Select strains like veil angelfish achieve even greater fin extension. Adequate tank height, quality nutrition, and stable warm water help fish reach their potential size.

Are Angelfish Easy to Keep?

Yes—provided you maintain warm, clean, and stable water and avoid cramped, fast-flow setups. Angelfish reward consistent care with confident behavior, graceful movement, and long lifespans. They are suitable for attentive beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Angelfish Species & Varieties

Below is an overview of recognized species in the genus Pterophyllum and the most popular aquarium color/fin varieties (“morphs”). Species differ in size and requirements; color morphs of P. scalare share similar care with minor nuances.

Wild Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

The classic “silver” wild type displays a silvery base with three to four vertical black bars. This form inspired most domesticated varieties. Hardy and adaptable under stable conditions.

[Image: Wild-type silver angelfish with bold vertical bars]

Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)

Known for an exceptionally tall body and deep notches between the head and dorsal fin, altum angelfish inhabit upper Orinoco and Rio Negro systems. They can grow larger and taller than P. scalare and appreciate very warm, soft, and pristine water. Stunning but more demanding than common angelfish.

[Image: Altum angelfish highlighting extreme height and long fins]

Leopold’s Angelfish (Pterophyllum leopoldi)

The smallest and rarest species, with a more elongated profile and a distinctive blotch near the dorsal fin base. Availability varies; care resembles wild-type conditions with stable warmth and excellent water quality.

[Image: Leopold’s angelfish—smaller body and subtle bar/blotch pattern]

Popular Aquarium Varieties of P. scalare

These color and fin varieties share the general care guidelines of freshwater angelfish. Differences relate primarily to appearance and fin length.

Silver Angelfish

Classic silver base with vertical bars—closest to wild type. Great for natural aquascapes and for showcasing schooling behavior.

Black Angelfish

Solid, velvety black or near-black body. Benefits from stable, clean water to keep the dark pigment even and glossy.

Marble Angelfish

Mottled pattern blending black, silver, and sometimes gold. Each fish shows a unique marbling; patterns often intensify as fish mature.

Zebra Angelfish

More numerous, thinner vertical bars than the standard silver, giving a “zebra” appearance. Striking in planted tanks with tall stems.

Koi Angelfish

White base with orange to red patches on the head and upper body, often with black speckling. Color intensity can vary with mood and lighting.

Gold Angelfish

Warm, uniform gold to champagne coloration with minimal or no bars. Particularly eye-catching under neutral lighting.

Platinum Angelfish

Brilliant white to metallic sheen with minimal markings. Clean water helps preserve the bright platinum look.

Half-Black Angelfish

Front portion is light (silver or gold), while the rear half is black. The sharp contrast makes this morph stand out in community displays.

Albino Angelfish

Very pale to white body with pinkish eyes. Keep lighting gentle and water exceptionally clean to prevent yellowing.

Leopard Angelfish

Speckled spots across the body that can coalesce as the fish matures, creating a “leopard” pattern distinct from marble morphs.

Ghost Angelfish

Reduced or absent body bars with a translucent or silvery look; fins may appear slightly see-through, giving a “ghostly” elegance.

Pearlscale Angelfish

Raised, reflective scales produce a shimmering “pearled” texture. The effect is most visible under raking light and dark backgrounds.

Veil Angelfish (Long-Finned)

Extended dorsal, anal, and caudal fins that trail gracefully in the water. Avoid strong currents to prevent fin damage and fatigue.

Angelfish Tank Setup Checklist

• Tall aquarium with open mid-water lanes and vertical cover.
• Reliable heater (24–28 °C / 75–82 °F) and gentle filtration.
• Planted layout with swords, vallisneria, or similar tall species.
• Regular water changes and stable parameters.
• Balanced diet: quality pellets/flakes plus frozen/live foods.

[Image: Simple checklist graphic next to a tall planted aquarium]

Angelfish Facts

• The genus name Pterophyllum means “winged leaf,” referencing the tall, leaf-like body shape.
• Vertical bars help angelfish blend among stems and roots in the wild.
• With patient, consistent care, many angelfish recognize their keepers and will gently “beg” at the glass during feeding time.

Conclusion

Freshwater angelfish combine beauty, personality, and manageable care requirements. Provide a tall, planted aquarium with stable warm water, feed a varied diet, and maintain steady housekeeping. Explore species like altum and leopoldi or enjoy the vast palette of P. scalare varieties—from classic silver and zebra to platinum, koi, and veil. With thoughtful setup and routine maintenance, angelfish become long-lived centerpieces that reward aquarists of all experience levels.

[Image: Final showcase—mixed varieties of angelfish in a lush planted community tank]