Freshwater angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Black vertical bars and tall fins: aquarium height matters.

A tall diamond-shaped cichlid with silver flanks and long pelvic threads.

Adult length: Up to 10.5 cm
Water temperature: 26–30 °C
Lifespan: 8–10 years
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 5–13 dGH

Native range: South America: Amazon River basin, in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, along the Ucayali, Solimões and Amazon rivers; rivers of Amapá (Brazil), Rio Oyapock in French Guiana; Essequibo River in Guyana.

Natural habitat: Inhabits swamps and flooded areas with dense aquatic and bankside vegetation, in clear or silty water.

Avoid fin nippers and prey-sized fish or shrimp; breeding pairs defend territory.

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Appearance and identification

The eye bar, flank bars and tail-base bar help you follow the pattern across a very tall silhouette. Domestic marble, koi and veil forms are strains. External shape alone is unreliable for sexing.

Social behaviour and territory

Watch pair formation and conflict; keep a separation option.

Compatibility limits

Check prey size, feeding competition, temperature and space separately.

Space requirements

Plan for adult height, turning room and territorial cover.

Aquarium environment

Tall leaves and wood provide visual barriers; preserve open room for the fins.

Diet and feeding

Offer varied, suitably sized complete foods and frozen fare.

Identification guides

Fish size explained: standard length (SL), total length (TL) and maximum records

Read the measurement label before comparing fish sizes. Learn what SL and TL mean, why a maximum record is not a typical adult size, and what to check next.

Sources