Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. 🐟 Freshwater Marble Angelfish – Full Details 📌 Common Name: Marble Angelfish 🧬 Scientific Name: Pterophyllum...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Marble Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare (Marble is a color morph)
Cichlidae
Native to Amazon River Basin, South America (Peru, Colombia, Brazil)
Found in slow-moving or still freshwater rivers, swamps, and floodplains with dense vegetation
Color: Varied black, white, and silver/golden marbled pattern, unique to each individual
Shape: Tall, laterally compressed body with long, triangular dorsal and anal fins
Fins: Gracefully elongated, giving an elegant appearance
Body Length: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
Height (including fins): Up to 8 inches (20 cm)
Males may have a more prominent nuchal bump (forehead), especially during breeding
Vent shape is more pointed in males, rounder in females (visible during spawning)
Hard to differentiate outside breeding time
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F) |
| pH Level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Hardness | 3 – 10 dGH |
| Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons (tall tanks preferred) |
Decor: Driftwood, rocks, tall live or artificial plants (like Amazon swords or Vallisneria)
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Lighting: Moderate lighting
Filtration: Gentle filtration with good biological capacity
Water Movement: Low to moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful, can become territorial during breeding
Swimming Area: Middle and upper levels of the tank
Best Tankmates:
Peaceful community fish: tetras (larger types), rasboras, gouramis, corydoras
Avoid: Fin-nippers (like tiger barbs), aggressive cichlids, and small fish (may be eaten)
Type: Omnivorous
Food Options:
High-quality flakes and pellets
Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
Occasional vegetables: blanched spinach, zucchini
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small amounts
Type: Egg-layer (pair bonding cichlids)
Spawning Surface: Flat vertical surfaces like filter tubes, broad leaves, tank glass
Breeding Behavior:
Parents clean a site and lay up to 100–400 eggs
Both parents guard eggs and fry
Eggs hatch in 2–3 days; fry become free-swimming in 5–7 days
Fry Care: Feed with infusoria or baby brine shrimp; keep water clean and calm
Ich (White Spot Disease)
Fin rot (due to poor water or aggression)
Hole-in-the-head disease (due to poor nutrition or water quality)
Fungal/bacterial infections – ensure regular water changes and good filtration
Marble Angelfish have individual patterns – no two look exactly alike
Known for their intelligence and grace, often responsive to their owners
Long-lived with good care – 8 to 12 years lifespan
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Temperament | Peaceful, mildly territorial during mating |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Tank Level | Mid to top |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons (tall preferred) |
| Breeding | Egg-layer, parental care given |