Angelfish vs Arapaima
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Arapaima gigas
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Arapaima |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Arapaima gigas |
| Order | Cichliformes | Osteoglossiformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Arapaimidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Arapaima |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 450.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 200.0 kg |
| Color | Silver to pale gold body with four bold black vertical bars including one through the eye; tall triangular dorsal and ventral fins are translucent silver; domesticated forms include gold, black, and marbled variants. | Dark olive-gray to grayish-black back with large scales that become vivid red-orange with black borders on the posterior flanks; belly pale cream; caudal fin reddish and rounded. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Arapaima |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | — | — |
| Geographic Range | Native to the Amazon River basin and associated river systems in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. Inhabits densely vegetated floodplain swamps, flooded igapó forests, and slow … | Restricted to the Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, Guyana, and Bolivia. Inhabits flooded várzea lakes, oxbows, and large river channels; surfaces frequently to breathe … |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers and flooded forests of the Amazon basin, particularly white-water and clear-water rivers. Warm water (24-30°C); inhabits areas with submerged vegetation and driftwood. | Floodplain lakes (várzea) and large river channels of the Amazon basin. Slow-moving, shallow, warm freshwater (26-30°C). An obligate air-breather; rises to surface to gulp air. … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Arapaima |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | — |
| Temperature | 24-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Moderate | — |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Arapaima |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 10/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Angelfish
Not consumed — a graceful ornamental cichlid valued for its triangular body shape and striking vertical banding; widely kept in freshwater community tanks.
Arapaima
Large, firm white fillets with a mild, clean flavor and low fat; historically a staple protein in Amazonian communities. Often salted and dried; sustainable harvest is tightly regulated.
Species Overview
Angelfish
The freshwater angelfish is a majestic cichlid with a laterally compressed body and long, flowing dorsal and anal fins. Native to the Amazon basin, it has been selectively bred into numerous color varieties including marble, koi, and platinum.
Arapaima
The arapaima is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, reaching up to 4.5 meters. An obligate air-breather, it must surface every 10-20 minutes to gulp air. Its tongue is bony and used to crush prey against the roof of its mouth.