Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here is a complete and detailed guide to the Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum genus), one of the most...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here is a complete and detailed guide to the Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum genus), one of the most iconic and elegant tropical aquarium fish.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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) |
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 |
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 |
Type | Food Suggestions |
---|---|
Omnivorous | - High-quality pellets or flakes |
Frozen/live: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
Vegetables: blanched spinach, peas (optional)
Occasional treats: freeze-dried tubifex |
Feed 1–2 times daily, only what they can eat in 2–3 minutes.
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 |
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 |
Separate breeding tank recommended for best results.
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:
Quarantine new fish
Maintain water quality
Avoid overcrowding
Angelfish get their name from their graceful, wing-like fins.
Pterophyllum means “winged leaf” in Greek.
They show distinct personalities and often recognize their owners.
Can develop hierarchy and pecking order in groups.
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