Belem Sky Blue Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare
The Belem Sky Blue Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a beautiful freshwater angelfish variety admired for its iridescent silver-blue sheen, graceful body shape, and long flowing fins. Selectively bred from Belem line stock, this angelfish offers a soft pastel blue appearance that can become more noticeable as the fish matures.
Belem Sky Blue Angels make excellent centerpiece fish for planted aquariums, peaceful community tanks, and larger freshwater displays. Their calm swimming style, elegant shape, and shimmering color bring a peaceful, refined look to the aquarium while still offering the classic personality angelfish are known for.
Key Features
- Iridescent silver-blue coloration
- Graceful body shape with flowing fins
- Beautiful centerpiece fish for freshwater aquariums
- Great for planted tanks and calm community setups
- Selective Belem line influence
- Hardy and adaptable with proper care
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
- Common Name: Belem Sky Blue Angelfish
- Origin: Selectively bred angelfish variety with Belem line influence
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Semi-peaceful; may become territorial during breeding
- Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches body length; up to 8 inches or more in fin height
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger; taller aquariums preferred
- Tank Level: Middle to upper levels
- Water Temperature: 76–82°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 years with proper care
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Belem Sky Blue Angelfish?
Belem Sky Blue Angelfish are a great choice for aquarists who want a graceful, elegant centerpiece fish with soft color and classic angelfish behavior. Their silver-blue shimmer looks especially beautiful under quality aquarium lighting and against live plants, driftwood, and darker backgrounds.
Unlike more aggressive cichlids, angelfish can work well in carefully planned community aquariums. They are still cichlids, so they may become territorial during breeding, but with proper space and compatible tankmates, they can be a stunning addition to a peaceful freshwater setup.
Ideal Tank Setup
Belem Sky Blue Angelfish do best in a taller aquarium with stable warm water, gentle to moderate filtration, and plenty of vertical swimming space. Driftwood, broad-leaf plants, Amazon swords, Vallisneria, Anubias, and other aquarium plants help create a natural environment.
Because angelfish have tall fins and a graceful swimming style, avoid overcrowded aquariums and strong current that may push them around. Clean water, stable parameters, and a fully cycled aquarium are important for long-term health.
Compatible Tankmates
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful larger tetras
- Rasboras too large to be eaten
- Dwarf Gouramis with caution
- Peaceful Plecos with proper tank size
- Rainbowfish with compatible conditions
- Other angelfish with proper space
- Peaceful community fish that are not fin nippers
Tankmates to Avoid
- Tiger Barbs and other fin-nipping fish
- Very small nano fish that may be eaten
- Shrimp or tiny invertebrates
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Fast, overly aggressive feeders
- Fish that require cooler water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Belem Sky Blue Angelfish are omnivores and do best with a varied diet. Feed quality angelfish or cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, and other appropriate prepared or frozen foods.
A balanced diet, clean water, and proper lighting can help support healthy growth, fin development, and their soft blue-silver coloration. Feed small portions that can be eaten quickly and avoid overfeeding.
Care Tips
- Use a 30 gallon or larger aquarium
- Choose a taller tank when possible
- Provide driftwood, plants, and open swimming space
- Keep water warm, clean, and stable
- Avoid fin-nipping tankmates
- Feed a varied omnivore diet
- Keep juveniles in groups or adults as compatible pairs when space allows
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Belem Sky Blue Angelfish aggressive?
They are generally semi-peaceful, but like most angelfish, they may become territorial during breeding or if kept in a crowded aquarium.
Can Belem Sky Blue Angelfish live in a community tank?
Yes. They can do well in peaceful community aquariums with calm tankmates that are not small enough to be eaten and do not nip fins.
What enhances their blue color?
Quality aquarium lighting, clean water, stable conditions, and a varied diet with high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and color-supporting foods can help maintain their best coloration.
Do Belem Sky Blue Angelfish pair off to breed?
Yes. Angelfish often form pairs as they mature and may spawn on broad leaves, slate, filter tubes, or other flat surfaces.
Are Belem Sky Blue Angelfish good for planted tanks?
Yes. Their calm swimming style and tall body shape look excellent in planted aquariums with driftwood, broad-leaf plants, and open swimming space.
What size tank do Belem Sky Blue Angelfish need?
A 30 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with taller aquariums preferred because angelfish have tall bodies and long fins.
Can Belem Sky Blue Angelfish live with shrimp?
They are not ideal for shrimp breeding tanks. Adult shrimp may be left alone in some setups, but baby shrimp and very small shrimp may be eaten.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Belem Sky Blue Angelfish are elegant freshwater centerpiece fish for planted aquariums, peaceful community tanks, and larger freshwater displays. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop angelfish, cichlids, centerpiece fish, freshwater fish, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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