Blue Smokey Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare
The Blue Smokey Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a striking freshwater angelfish variety known for its smoky gray-blue body, subtle shimmering sheen, and graceful flowing fins. This elegant color morph brings a calm, moody beauty to planted aquariums and peaceful community fish tanks.
Blue Smokey Angelfish are popular with freshwater hobbyists who want a unique centerpiece fish with classic angelfish shape and understated color. Their blue-gray tones look especially beautiful against live plants, driftwood, darker backgrounds, and natural aquarium decor.
Key Features
- Smoky gray-blue coloration with subtle shimmer
- Elegant flowing fins and classic angelfish shape
- Beautiful centerpiece fish for freshwater aquariums
- Great for planted tanks and larger community setups
- Generally peaceful with properly chosen tankmates
- Eye-catching angelfish color morph
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
- Common Name: Blue Smokey Angelfish
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to 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; 55+ gallons recommended for groups
- Tank Level: Middle to upper levels
- Water Temperature: 76–82°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.8
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Blue Smokey Angelfish?
Blue Smokey Angelfish are a great choice for aquarists who want a graceful centerpiece fish with a softer, more dramatic appearance than standard angelfish. Their smoky gray-blue body and shimmering finish add depth and movement to planted aquariums and larger freshwater displays.
Like other angelfish, they are intelligent, interactive, and full of personality. With proper tank size, stable water conditions, and compatible tankmates, Blue Smokey Angelfish can become a long-term focal point in the aquarium.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Blue Smokey Angelfish do best in a taller aquarium with plenty of vertical swimming space, stable warm water, gentle to moderate filtration, and open swimming areas. Driftwood, live plants, broad-leaf plants, and natural decor help create a comfortable environment.
A planted aquarium with Amazon swords, Vallisneria, Anubias, Java Fern, and driftwood can showcase their smoky blue-gray coloration while providing cover and security. Avoid overcrowding and strong current that may push against their tall fins.
Compatible Tankmates
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful larger tetras
- Cardinal Tetras with caution once angelfish are larger
- Rasboras too large to be eaten
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Rainbowfish with compatible conditions
- Bolivian Rams
- Pearl Gouramis with caution
- Peaceful South American cichlids with proper space
- Other angelfish with enough room
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
Blue Smokey Angelfish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. Feed quality flakes, angelfish pellets, cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried foods, and other appropriate prepared or frozen foods.
A balanced diet helps support healthy growth, fin development, coloration, and breeding condition. 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 live plants, driftwood, and open swimming space
- Keep water warm, clean, and stable
- Avoid fin-nipping tankmates
- Feed a varied omnivore diet
- Use 55+ gallons for groups or multiple angelfish
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Blue Smokey Angelfish special?
The Blue Smokey Angelfish is a color morph with a smoky gray-blue body and soft shimmering sheen, giving it a unique, elegant appearance compared to standard angelfish.
How large do Blue Smokey Angelfish get?
They typically reach approximately 5–6 inches in body length and may reach up to 8 inches or more in height with their fins.
Can Blue Smokey Angelfish live in community tanks?
Yes. They can do well in peaceful community aquariums with similarly sized tankmates that are not small enough to be eaten and do not nip fins.
Are Blue Smokey Angelfish aggressive?
They are generally peaceful to semi-peaceful, but they may become territorial during breeding or if kept in a crowded aquarium.
Are Blue Smokey Angelfish good for planted tanks?
Yes. Their graceful swimming style and smoky blue-gray color look excellent in planted aquariums with driftwood, broad-leaf plants, and open swimming space.
What size tank does a Blue Smokey Angelfish need?
A 30 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with taller aquariums preferred. For groups or multiple angelfish, 55 gallons or larger is recommended.
What do Blue Smokey Angelfish eat?
They eat flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried foods, and other prepared or frozen aquarium foods.
Can Blue Smokey 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
Blue Smokey 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, community 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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