Appearance

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) are striking diamond-shaped fish. Their colourations depend on the morph, or strain - but most will have 4 dark vertical stripes running from top to bottom of their bodies, and red or black eyes.

The morphs we sell are:

• Pterophyllum scalare, ‘Diamond’ - This fish is largely white with some warm beige possible on their heads, and almost irredescent, pearly scales - looking much like a diamond. Their eyes are also whitish-beige.

• Pterophyllum scalare, ‘Blue Zebra’ - These fish have beautiful bluish dark stripes, instead of black.

They typically grow up to 14cm long, and live between 8-12 years with good husbandry

Water Conditions

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres, with at least 40 cm of depth

• Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 25° c - 29° c

  • PH: Neutral to mildly acidic - Between 6.5 and 7.0

  • Hardness: 50 - 150 ppm

• Tank Specifics:

  • They require a deep tank with at least 40 cm of depth (though more is better!) to accommodate their tall shape.

  • They appreciate a well-planted tank and a lot of open space for swimming.

Feeding

Angelfish are generally not fussy eaters and will eat most commercial fish foods. They generally thrive with a very varied diet, including live, frozen, or fresh food on occasion. This will also set them up best for breeding. Angelfish smaller than 3cm require several feeds a day - much like for feeding fry.

Compatibility

Angelfish are generally best kept in pairs or small schools, and generally very peaceful, suiting large aquariums with many types of fish - however, care must be taken, as they are (as mature adults) large enough that they may consider smaller fish such as neon tetras as prey.

Breeding and Sexing

Angelfish are generally best kept in pairs or small schools, and generally very peaceful, suiting large aquariums with many types of fish - however, care must be taken, as they are (as mature adults) large enough that they may consider smaller fish such as neon tetras as prey.