Medium Marble Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare
The Medium Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a classic freshwater angelfish variety known for its bold black, silver, and white marbled patterning. With its tall body shape, graceful fins, and calm swimming style, this angelfish makes a beautiful centerpiece fish for planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.
Marble Angelfish are hardy, elegant, and full of personality. They are generally peaceful with properly chosen tankmates, but like most cichlids, they may become territorial during breeding. A taller aquarium with live plants, driftwood, and open swimming space helps them thrive.
Key Features
- Bold black, silver, and white marbled coloration
- Classic freshwater angelfish variety
- Elegant fins and graceful swimming behavior
- Excellent centerpiece fish for planted aquariums
- Peaceful with suitable community tankmates
- Best kept singly, in pairs, or in groups with proper space
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
- Common Name: Medium Marble Angelfish
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-peaceful; may become territorial during breeding
- Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches body length; taller with fins
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger; taller aquariums preferred
- Tank Level: Middle to upper levels
- Water Temperature: 75–82°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Marble Angelfish?
Marble Angelfish are a great choice for aquarists who want a graceful centerpiece fish with classic contrast and patterning. Their marbled black, silver, and white coloration gives each fish a unique appearance, making them stand out beautifully in planted aquariums.
Their tall body shape and slow, elegant movement create a peaceful display. With proper space, clean water, and compatible tankmates, Marble Angelfish can become long-term favorites in freshwater aquariums.
Ideal Tank Setup
Medium Marble Angelfish do best in a taller aquarium with stable warm water, gentle to moderate filtration, and open swimming space. Live plants, driftwood, rocks, and broad-leaf plants such as Amazon swords or Anubias help create a natural-looking environment.
Avoid overcrowding and strong current that may push them around. Angelfish have long fins, so they should not be housed with fin-nipping fish.
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, aggressive feeders
- Fish that require cooler water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Marble Angelfish are omnivores and accept a variety of aquarium foods. Feed quality flakes, angelfish or cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, and other appropriate prepared or frozen foods.
A varied diet helps support healthy growth, fin development, color, and overall 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 plants, driftwood, and open swimming space
- Keep water warm, clean, and stable
- Avoid fin-nipping tankmates
- Feed a varied omnivore diet
- Keep singly, in pairs, or in groups with proper space
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Marble Angelfish live in community tanks?
Yes. Marble Angelfish can do well in peaceful community aquariums with tankmates of similar size that are not small enough to be eaten and do not nip fins.
How many Marble Angelfish should be kept together?
They can be kept singly, as a compatible pair, or in a group with enough space. Groups can help establish a natural hierarchy, but extra room is important as they mature.
Are Marble Angelfish plant-safe?
Yes. Marble Angelfish do well in planted aquariums and appreciate vertical plant cover, broad leaves, and shaded areas.
How big do Marble Angelfish get?
They typically reach approximately 5–6 inches in body length and can appear taller because of their long fins.
What size tank does a Marble Angelfish need?
A 30 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with taller aquariums preferred because angelfish have tall bodies and long fins.
Are Marble Angelfish aggressive?
They are generally peaceful to semi-peaceful, but they may become territorial during breeding or if kept in a crowded aquarium.
What do Marble Angelfish eat?
They eat flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, and other prepared or frozen aquarium foods.
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
Medium Marble 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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