Angelfish care guide
Pterophyllum scalare · Cichlidae
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is an aquarium animal. It belongs to the Cichlidae family. It is native to The Amazon, Essequibo, Oyapock and other rivers of northern South America. Almost all fish on sale are mass-produced, in black, gold and koi strains as well as the standard silver.. Water temperature: 24°C – 30°C. pH: 6.0 – 7.4. Care difficulty: Moderate.
How do you care for Angelfish?
| Temperature | 24°C – 30°C |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 – 7.4 |
| Placement | Mid-water; needs a tall tank, at least about 100 × 40 cm (~200 litres), soft to moderately hard water (0–15 dGH). |
| Growth | Body about 15 cm long and 20 cm or more tall. |
| Difficulty | Moderate (not hard, but needs a tall, roomy tank and careful tankmates) |
| Family | Cichlidae |
How do you trim and propagate Angelfish?
Omnivorous; wild fish feed mostly on small bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crustaceans. Tank-bred fish take pellets and flakes and relish live or frozen food.
What problems affect Angelfish?
May squabble with its own kind and will eat small fish such as tetras.
How do you fix Angelfish problems?
Keep a small group in a roomy tank, and not with very small fish.
Where does Angelfish come from?
The Amazon, Essequibo, Oyapock and other rivers of northern South America. Almost all fish on sale are mass-produced, in black, gold and koi strains as well as the standard silver. · Biotope regions: South America.
What should you know before buying Angelfish?
Peaceful, but a cichlid that eats small fish: avoid neon tetras, chili rasboras and similar.
Sources
- Pterophyllum scalare (Angelfish) — Seriously Fish
- Pterophyllum scalare — FishBase
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-10-29.
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides