General Overview

• Common Name: Marble Angelfish

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Amazon River Basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years (can live longer with excellent care)

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can be semi-aggressive, especially during breeding

• Difficulty Level: Moderate (ideal for intermediate aquarists)

🎨 Appearance

• Body Shape: Tall, laterally compressed body with long, triangular dorsal and anal fins — very graceful swimmers.

• Color Pattern: Marble Angelfish have a mix of black, white, and silver patches that appear marbled across their body. No two are exactly alike.

• Size: Can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in body length, with fins extending up to 8 inches in height.

• Fins: Long, flowing fins give them an elegant, angelic appearance.

🏡 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a pair; larger if keeping a group.

• Tank Setup:

  • Tall aquarium preferred due to their vertical fin span

  • Soft to moderately hard water

  • Plenty of open swimming space

  • Plants, driftwood, and rocks for hiding and territory

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 24–29°C (75–84°F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: 3–10 dGH

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Foods:

  • High-quality flakes or pellets designed for cichlids

  • Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia

  • Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or zucchini

• Feeding Habit: Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions they can consume in a few minutes.

🧬 Behavior & Temperament

• Nature: Generally calm, though territorial with other angelfish or smaller tankmates.

• Schooling: Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups if the tank is spacious.

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful companions like Corydoras, Plecos, Gouramis, and larger Tetras (avoid small fin-nippers such as Serpae Tetras or Tiger Barbs).

  • Avoid very small fish like Neon Tetras — adults may eat them.

🔍 Sexing

• Males: Slightly more angular bodies, larger nuchal hump (forehead), and pointed breeding tube.

• Females: Rounder belly and broader breeding tube.

• Note: Sexing is tricky — differences are clearer during breeding.

🐣 Breeding

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

• Breeding Pair: Usually form monogamous pairs naturally.

• Spawning Conditions:

  • Temperature around 28°C (82°F)

  • Slightly acidic water (pH 6.5)

  • Flat surfaces (broad leaves, slate, or glass) for egg laying

• Egg Care:

  • Parents guard eggs and fry; some pairs may eat eggs if stressed.

  • Eggs hatch in about 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming after 5–7 days.

  • Feed fry with infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp.

⚕️ Health & Care Tips

• Keep water clean and stable — Angelfish are sensitive to sudden changes.

• Watch for common issues like ich, fin rot, and parasitic infections.

• Avoid overcrowding and aggressive tankmates to reduce stress.

• Maintain consistent feeding and water-change schedules.

🌟 Fun Facts

• Marble Angelfish are selectively bred for their unique coloration; their marble pattern can even change slightly over time.

• They are one of the most intelligent cichlids — often recognizing their keepers.

• Their graceful, gliding swimming style makes them a centerpiece fish in any aquarium.

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.