Angelfish

With their dramatically tall, disc-shaped bodies and elegantly trailing ventral fins, freshwater angelfish are among the most recognizable cichlids in the hobby. Native to slow-moving, heavily vegetated South American waterways, they have been bred into dozens of color forms while retaining the intelligence and parental care instincts that made them aquarium icons.

Taxonomy

The genus Pterophyllum contains three recognized species: P. scalare (the common aquarium angelfish), P. altum (the majestic altum, larger and more demanding), and P. leopoldi (the smallest and rarest). Nearly all fish sold as "angelfish" are P. scalare or hybrids thereof.

Natural Habitat

Wild angelfish inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated tributaries and floodplain lakes across the Amazon and Orinoco river systems. Water is typically warm (76–84°F), soft, and slightly acidic, stained by tannins from submerged wood and leaf litter. Their tall, laterally compressed body shape evolved for slipping through vertical reed stems — the same posture that makes their vertical stripe pattern such effective camouflage.

Color Varieties

Wild-type angelfish are silver with three vertical black stripes. Selective breeding has produced: Silver, Marble, Zebra (extra stripes), Black Lace, Gold, Koi (orange-black-white), Platinum, Ghost (faint stripes), Blushing (pinkish gill area), and various veil/super-veil fin forms. Altum-type tank-bred fish feature more pronounced forehead profiles and taller dorsal fins.

Water Requirements

Tank Requirements

A standard 55-gallon tank (48 × 13 × 21 in) is the practical minimum for a group of four angelfish — the vertical space is as important as the volume. Key setup elements: tall aquarium (18 in minimum depth), gentle flow, subdued to moderate lighting, broad-leaved plants such as Amazon sword and vallisneria for spawning sites, and driftwood pieces to define territories.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivores in the wild, eating insects, small invertebrates, and plant material. In captivity, feed a cichlid pellet or high-quality flake as the staple, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2–3 times per week. They quickly learn feeding time and will approach the glass expectantly. Feed twice daily and remove uneaten food within a few minutes.

Temperament & Tank Mates

Angelfish are semi-aggressive cichlids — peaceful toward dissimilar species but territorial among themselves, especially during breeding. Safe companions: larger tetras (black skirt, bleeding heart, Congo tetra), corydoras, bristlenose plecos, rasboras, and similarly sized peaceful community fish. Avoid: small tetras and neons (prey risk with adult angels), fin nippers such as tiger barbs, and aggressive cichlids.

Breeding

Angelfish form monogamous pairs that spawn on broad vertical leaves or smooth flat surfaces. Both parents guard and fan the eggs. Eggs hatch in 48–60 hours; the parents move wriggling larvae to pre-dug pits in the substrate. Fry become free-swimming in 5–7 days and can be fed baby brine shrimp. First-time parents frequently eat the eggs — this usually resolves after one or two failed spawns.

Common Health Issues

• Ich — white spots on body and fins; treat with temperature increase to 86°F plus medication
• Hexamita / HITH — pitting on the head and lateral line; treat with metronidazole in food or water
• Gill flukes — rapid breathing and flashing against decor; treat with praziquantel
• Bacterial fin rot — frayed, discolored fin edges; clean water plus antibacterial treatment
• Internal parasites — wasting despite good appetite; treat with medicated food