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Freshwater Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Freshwater South America Usually captive bred

A tall, disc-shaped cichlid that needs height as much as length. Small tetras such as neons become snacks once the angelfish is grown. Choose a tank at least 50 cm tall.

Also called: Angelfish, Black angelfish, Freshwater angelfish.

15 cm adult length, drawn to scale. deep body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 15 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 150 L, at least 80 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 25 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 3 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 24 to 30 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.4 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 3 to 12, KH 1 to 6 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Low Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Semi-aggressive Territorial: strong.
Swims in Middle water Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 10 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Some experience helps A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Freshwater Angelfish is an carnivore that swims in the middle of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it some cover. It will eat fish small enough to swallow.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.