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Here is a complete and detailed guide to the Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum genus), one of the most iconic and elegant tropical aquarium fish.
🐟 Freshwater Angelfish Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Freshwater Angelfish |
| Scientific Genus | Pterophyllum |
| Species in Hobby | P. scalare, P. altum, P. leopoldi |
| Family | Cichlidae (Cichlids) |
| Origin | Amazon River Basin (South America) |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers, floodplains with dense vegetation |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years (up to 15 with great care) |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive (especially when breeding) |
| Swimming Zone | Mid to top level |
🧬 Recognized Species
| Species | Description |
|---|---|
| P. scalare | Most common in aquariums; wide variety of color morphs |
| P. altum | Altum Angelfish – taller, deeper-bodied, more sensitive; wild-caught often |
| P. leopoldi | Rare, smallest species, more aggressive, one black stripe through eye |
🌈 Physical Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in body length; 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) tall including fins |
| Shape | Laterally compressed, tall triangular dorsal and anal fins |
| Fins | Flowing, graceful fins, can be delicate |
| Sexing | Difficult; males may have a slightly larger nuchal hump or more pointed dorsal fins |
🐠 Color Varieties (Morphs)
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Silver (wild type) | Classic silver with black vertical stripes |
| Koi | White body with orange/gold head and black patches |
| Marble | Black and white mottling |
| Black Lace | All black with high fin contrast |
| Gold | Pale gold/yellow body |
| Veil Tail | Extra-long, flowing fins |
| Zebra | Multiple narrow black vertical stripes |
| Ghost | No visible stripes; silvery with slight sheen |
🏞️ Natural Habitat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Environment | Warm, soft, acidic water with dense aquatic vegetation |
| Water Flow | Slow to moderate |
| Lighting | Diffused light due to forest canopy in the wild |
| Temperature | 24–28°C (75–82°F) |
🧪 Ideal Aquarium Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 (mildly acidic to neutral) |
| Hardness | 3–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard) |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm (very sensitive) |
| Nitrate | < 30 ppm preferred |
🏡 Aquarium Setup
| Feature | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 30 gallons minimum for a pair; 55+ gallons for a group |
| Height | Tall tanks preferred (due to long fins) |
| Substrate | Fine gravel or sand |
| Plants | Tall and broadleaf plants (e.g., Amazon sword, Vallisneria) |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, hiding spaces |
| Lighting | Moderate; bright light can stress them |
| Filtration | Gentle but efficient (avoid strong currents) |
| Tank Lid | Recommended – can jump occasionally |
🍽️ Diet
| Type | Food Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Omnivorous | - High-quality pellets or flakes |
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Frozen/live: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
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Vegetables: blanched spinach, peas (optional)
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Occasional treats: freeze-dried tubifex |
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Feed 1–2 times daily, only what they can eat in 2–3 minutes.
🧬 Behavior & Tank Mates
| Behavior Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Generally peaceful but territorial when breeding |
| Tank Mates | Best with other peaceful fish that aren't too small or aggressive |
| Good Companions | Corydoras, swordtails, larger tetras (e.g., black skirt, rummynose), gouramis |
| Avoid | Fin-nippers (e.g., tiger barbs), tiny fish (e.g., neon tetras), aggressive cichlids |
🐣 Breeding
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Breeding Type | Egg layer, monogamous pairs |
| Pair Formation | Best done by raising a group of 6+ and allowing natural pairs |
| Spawning Surface | Leaves, filter intake, glass |
| Egg Count | 100–300 per spawn |
| Hatching Time | 2–3 days; free-swimming by day 5 |
| Parental Care | Both parents fan and guard eggs; may eat them if stressed |
| Fry Food | Infusoria → baby brine shrimp after 5 days |
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Separate breeding tank recommended for best results.
⚠️ Common Diseases
| Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ich (white spots) | Rubbing, white dots, clamped fins | Increase temperature + Ich meds |
| Fin rot | Frayed fins, discoloration | Water changes + antibacterial meds |
| Hole-in-the-head | Pitting near eyes/head | Improve diet + treat with Metronidazole |
| Parasites | Scratching, flashing | Anti-parasitic meds (e.g., PraziPro) |
| Fungal infections | Cottony patches | Anti-fungal treatment (e.g., Pimafix) |
Prevention Tips:
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Quarantine new fish
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Maintain water quality
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Avoid overcrowding
📚 Fun Facts
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Angelfish get their name from their graceful, wing-like fins.
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Pterophyllum means “winged leaf” in Greek.
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They show distinct personalities and often recognize their owners.
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Can develop hierarchy and pecking order in groups.
IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.
We process orders on all weekdays (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
