Platinum Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

Platinum Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

Elegant and luminous, the Platinum Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a stunning freshwater showpiece known for its pure silvery-white coloration and graceful fins. A selectively bred variant of the common angelfish, the Platinum Angelfish adds a striking contrast to planted and community aquariums with its shimmering, metallic sheen.

Peaceful yet confident, Platinum Angelfish make excellent centerpiece fish for medium to large aquariums. They thrive in warm, clean water with gentle flow and appreciate vertical décor or live plants that mimic their natural Amazonian habitat.

Features:

• 🐠 Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
• 🌎 Origin: Amazon River Basin (tank-bred variant)
• 🌈 Coloration: Solid platinum-white body with iridescent metallic sheen
• 💧 Temperament: Semi-peaceful; best kept in pairs or small groups
• 🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – accepts flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods
• 🪸 Tank Level: Mid

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• KH: 3–10 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Environment: Tall, planted tank with calm flow

Behavior & Compatibility:
Platinum Angelfish are generally peaceful but can show territorial behavior when breeding. Best kept with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, gouramis, and other calm species. Avoid fin-nipping fish like barbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How big do Platinum Angelfish get?
A: Adults grow up to 6 inches in body length, with fins reaching 8 inches tall.

Q: Are Platinum Angelfish peaceful?
A: Yes — they’re calm, social fish, though territorial behavior can occur during spawning.

Q: Can I keep them in a community tank?
A: Absolutely. They thrive with other peaceful mid-sized fish and make a beautiful centerpiece.

Q: What do they eat?
A: They enjoy flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and occasional live foods.

Q: Do they need plants?
A: Yes — they love planted tanks with vertical leaves or driftwood to explore and rest.