Angelfish

About

The freshwater angelfish is an iconic, laterally compressed cichlid whose tall, triangular body and trailing fins make it a living sail. Native to the slow Amazon basin among submerged roots and tall plants, it needs vertical swimming space more than floor area. Angelfish are intelligent and form hierarchies and breeding pairs; adults can be semi-aggressive, especially when spawning, and will eat very small tankmates.

Care

Provide a tall tank (45 cm+ height, 150 L+) with warm, soft-to-neutral water. Raise a group of 5-6 juveniles to let pairs form naturally; avoid tiny fish and known fin-nippers as tankmates.

Diet

Omnivore with a carnivorous lean; feed flakes, pellets and meaty frozen foods. Will hunt neon-sized fish and shrimp, so stock companions with care.

Sources

• Seriously Fish — Pterophyllum scalare
• Aquarium Co-Op — Angelfish Care Guide