🐟 A Guide to Angelfish care (Pterophyllum scalare)

Angelfish are among the most iconic tropical aquarium fish. Known for their elegant fins, graceful swimming, and wide variety of colors and patterns, they’re a favorite for aquarists of all levels. While hardy and relatively easy to care for, they do have specific requirements to thrive.

🌍 Origin & Background

• Native to South America, primarily the Amazon Basin.
• Found in slow-moving rivers and floodplains with dense vegetation.
• Belong to the Cichlid family, but are generally more peaceful than many other cichlids.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 29 gallons for a pair; larger tanks (55+ gallons) for groups.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 3–10 dGH
• Aquascaping: Tall plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel; not picky, but natural colors enhance their beauty.
• Filtration: Gentle flow – they prefer calm waters similar to their native habitat.

👫 Behavior & Tank Mates

• Temperament: Semi-peaceful, but can become territorial, especially during breeding.
• Tank Mates: Ideal with peaceful species like tetras (avoid fin-nippers), corydoras, plecos, and some dwarf cichlids.
• Avoid overly aggressive or very small fish (like neon tetras in small tanks, which may be eaten by adults).

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Omnivorous: A mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods.
• Favorites include brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions they can consume within a few minutes.

🐣 Breeding Angelfish

• Pair Bonding: Angelfish form monogamous pairs.
• Breeding Setup: Flat vertical surfaces (like broad leaves or slate) for egg-laying.
• Parental Care: Parents often guard eggs and fry, though sometimes first-time pairs may eat their clutch.
• Fry Care: Feed freshly hatched brine shrimp or powdered fry food.

❤️ Health & Care Tips

• Perform regular water changes (25–30% weekly).
• Maintain stable water parameters to avoid stress and disease.
• Watch for common issues like Ich, fin rot, and parasitic infections.
• Avoid overcrowding; angelfish need space to reduce aggression.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Beautiful centerpiece fish for planted aquariums.
• Best kept in tall, spacious tanks with calm companions.
• Require clean, warm water and varied diet to thrive.
• Can live up to 10 years with proper care.