Panda Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare
The Panda Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a beautiful freshwater angelfish variety known for its bold black-and-white pattern, graceful fins, and classic angelfish body shape. Its panda-like markings make it a standout centerpiece fish for planted aquariums, peaceful community tanks, and larger freshwater displays.
Panda Angelfish are generally peaceful to semi-peaceful cichlids that do best in spacious, well-maintained aquariums with plenty of vertical swimming room. Their elegant movement, striking contrast, and calm presence make them a favorite for hobbyists who want a dramatic but graceful centerpiece fish.
Key Features
- Bold black-and-white panda-like pattern
- Elegant flowing fins and tall body shape
- Beautiful centerpiece fish for freshwater aquariums
- Great for planted tanks and calm community setups
- Peaceful to semi-peaceful with suitable tankmates
- Best in taller aquariums with open swimming space
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
- Common Name: Panda Angelfish
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-peaceful; may become territorial during breeding
- Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches body length; 8+ inches tall with fins
- 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
- Hardness: 3–10 dGH
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Panda Angelfish?
Panda Angelfish are a great choice for aquarists who want a high-contrast angelfish with bold markings and graceful movement. Their black-and-white coloration stands out beautifully against live plants, driftwood, darker backgrounds, and natural aquarium decor.
Like other angelfish, Panda Angelfish are intelligent and full of personality. With proper tank size, stable water conditions, and carefully chosen tankmates, they can become long-term centerpiece fish in freshwater aquariums.
Ideal Tank Setup
Panda Angelfish do best in a taller aquarium with stable warm water, gentle to moderate filtration, and plenty of vertical swimming space. Driftwood, live plants, broad-leaf plants, and open swimming areas help create a comfortable environment.
Planted aquariums with Amazon swords, Vallisneria, Anubias, Java Fern, and driftwood are excellent choices. Avoid overcrowding and strong current, as angelfish have tall bodies and long fins that do best in calmer water movement.
Compatible Tankmates
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful larger tetras
- 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
Panda Angelfish are omnivores and do best with 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 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 live plants, driftwood, and open swimming space
- Keep water warm, clean, and stable
- Avoid fin-nipping tankmates
- Feed a varied omnivore diet
- Keep singly, as a pair, or in a small group with proper space
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Panda Angelfish good for community tanks?
Yes. Panda Angelfish can do well in peaceful community aquariums with calm tankmates that are not small enough to be eaten and do not nip fins.
How big do Panda Angelfish get?
Adults typically reach approximately 5–6 inches in body length and can appear 8 inches or taller with their flowing fins.
Are Panda Angelfish easy to care for?
Yes. They are relatively hardy when kept in a stable, properly sized aquarium, making them a good choice for easy to moderate care levels.
Can Panda Angelfish be kept in pairs?
Yes. Panda Angelfish can be kept singly, as a compatible pair, or in a small group with enough space. Pairs may become territorial when breeding.
What makes Panda Angelfish unique?
Their bold black-and-white panda-like pattern and graceful swimming style make them a striking centerpiece fish for freshwater aquariums.
What size tank does a Panda Angelfish need?
A 30 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with taller aquariums preferred because angelfish have tall bodies and long fins.
Are Panda Angelfish good for planted tanks?
Yes. They look excellent in planted aquariums and appreciate broad-leaf plants, driftwood, shaded areas, and open swimming space.
Can Panda 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
Panda 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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