🐟 Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Common Name: Marble Angelfish
Adult Size: 6 inches body length, up to 8 inches tall with fins
Lifespan: 8–10 years (with proper care)

🔹 Temperament & Behavior

• Semi-aggressive but generally peaceful when young.
• Can become territorial as adults, especially during breeding.
• Best kept in groups of 5–6 juveniles, or pairs as adults.

🔹 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (taller tanks preferred; 55+ gallons for groups).
• Water Parameters:
• Temp: 76–82 °F (24–28 °C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 3–10 dGH
• Setup: Tall plants, driftwood, and open swimming space. Gentle flow preferred.

🔹 Tankmates

• Good with peaceful community fish: tetras (larger species like black skirt, lemon, or emperor), gouramis, corydoras, and peaceful loaches.
• Avoid fin-nippers (barbs, serpae tetras) or very small fish (neon tetras may get eaten by adults).

🔹 Diet

• Omnivore.
• Eats flakes, high-quality pellets, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia).
• Vary diet for best growth and coloration.

🔹 Breeding

• Egg layers, typically lay eggs on flat surfaces (plant leaves, slate, glass).
• Parents may aggressively guard eggs and fry.
• Fry need infusoria/very fine foods before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.

✨ Fun fact: The Marble Angelfish is a selectively bred variety of P. scalare, known for its dramatic black, white, and gold marbling that creates a unique pattern on every fish—no two look alike!