🐠 FRESHWATER BLUE ANGEL FISH – COMPLETE INFORMATION

🧬 Scientific Name:

Pterophyllum scalare
(Blue Angel is a selectively bred color variant of this species)

📛 Common Names:

Blue Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish, Blue Scalare

🌍 Origin & Natural Habitat

• Native Region: Amazon River Basin – including Peru, Brazil, Colombia

• Environment: Slow-moving freshwater rivers, flooded forests, and streams with dense vegetation and submerged roots

• Water Conditions: Warm, slightly acidic water with low current

🧰 Care Level:

Moderate – Suitable for intermediate fishkeepers

📏 Physical Characteristics

Note: Blue coloration is a result of selective breeding – not naturally found in wild angelfish.

🏡 Tank Requirements

🤝 Temperament and Behavior

• Semi-peaceful but territorial when breeding

• Social but best in small groups of 4–6 or pairs

• Slow swimmers, prefer vertical space

✅ Good Tank Mates:

• Peaceful mid to bottom dwellers: Corydoras, Dwarf Gouramis, Mollies, Swordtails

• Medium-sized Tetras (like Black Skirt, Rummy Nose)

• Plecos (small species like Bristlenose)

❌ Avoid with:

• Fin-nippers (Tiger Barbs)

• Very small fish (Neon Tetras may get eaten)

• Aggressive cichlids

🍽️ Feeding

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day in small portions

• Note: Avoid overfeeding – can cause water pollution

🐣 Breeding

• Breeding Type: Egg layer

• Pairs: Monogamous; forms strong pair bonds

• Spawning Surface: Flat leaves, glass, slate

• Egg Hatching: In 2–3 days; fry become free-swimming after 5–7 days

• Parental Care: Parents guard and fan eggs and fry

Tip: For best breeding, separate a pair into a breeding tank with stable water and minimal disturbances.

⚕️ Common Health Issues

Prevention:

• Maintain good water quality

• Quarantine new fish

• Avoid sudden temperature or pH changes

🧼 Maintenance Tips

• 25–30% water change weekly

• Vacuum substrate regularly

• Test water parameters weekly

• Remove uneaten food to prevent ammonia spikes

📌 Quick Facts Recap

💡 Fun Fact

Blue Angelfish have been selectively bred for stunning blue color tones. The shimmer intensifies under good lighting and a healthy diet, especially high in carotenoids and spirulina.

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.