Origins
Angelfish inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated freshwater rivers and floodplains, where the water is typically warm, soft, and slightly acidic. Their tall, flat bodies are well adapted to navigating dense underwater vegetation. They originate from South America, specifically from the Amazon Basin and its tributaries.
Behaviour
Angelfish have some really interesting and sometimes surprising behaviours—especially once they settle into their tank and get comfortable. Typically, they are graceful, slow swimmers and prefer the middle and upper levels of an aquarium. They are particularly fond of tall plants where they like to weave in and out of.
Officially, Angelfish are semi-aggressive, as they can get territorial, especially when breeding. You can help reduce this by keeping them in pairs, or in groups of 5 or 6 to spread out the aggression. In smaller aquariums, they have been known to nip or chase weaker or smaller fish.
Types of Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare is the most common in the aquarium hobby and have a wide variety of colors and fin types available. They are hardy and easy to care for.
Pterophyllum altum (Altum Angelfish) are larger and taller and are more sensitive to water parameters. They are mostly wild-caught and have a distinct high “forehead” slope and dramatic vertical stripes. They are typically more expensive in pet stores.
Pterophyllum leopoldi (Leopold’s Angelfish) are the smallest and rarest of the species. They are both more sensitive to water paramenters and are the most aggressive. They have a single pre-dorsal notch (unlike others) and are often misidentified as a young scalare.
Tank Mates
Angelfish can get along with many different species, including most community fish, but avoid smaller varieties that may get bullied or be stressed.
GOOD TANK MATES
- Corydora catfish
- Plecos (smaller types like Bristlenose)
- Kuhli Loaches
- Ram Cichlids
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Platies
- Mollies
- Swordtails
- Rainbowfish
BAD TANK MATES
- Neon Tetras (may get eaten)
- Tiger Barbs (will attack Angelfish)
- Bettas (clashing personalities)
- Oscars (too aggressive)
- Large Cichlids (too big, will stress Angelfish)
- Guppies (males can be nipped, may get eaten)
DEMOGRAPHICS
- Scientific Name: Pterophyllum
- Common Name: Angelfish
- Origins: Tropical South America
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperment: Semi-Aggressive
- Breeding: Egglayer
- Care Level: Intermediate
IUCN STATUS
WATER PARAMETERS
- Temperature: 75F to 82F
- pH: 6.5 – 7.0
- Hardness: 4-12 dGH
AQUARIUM SETUP
- Foods: flakes, brine shimp, bloodworms
- Water Type: slow-flowing freshwater
- Substrate: soft sand or mud
- Tank Setup: plants, caves, strong lighting
- Min Tank Size: 20 Gallons