Angelfish vs Brown Trout
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Salmo trutta
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Brown Trout |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Salmo trutta |
| Order | Cichliformes | Salmoniformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Salmonidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Brown Trout |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 140.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 20.0 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. | Golden-brown to amber flanks scattered with large black and orange-red spots, each often encircled by a pale halo; belly golden-yellow; adipose fin is orange-tinged; sea-run form is silvery. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Brown Trout |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 0-28m |
| 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 … | Native to Europe and western Asia from Iceland and the British Isles east through Scandinavia, the Alps, and the Caucasus. Anadromous sea trout migrate between … |
| 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. | Rivers, streams, and lakes across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa; widely introduced. Inhabits clear, cold to temperate rivers (8-18°C) over gravel and rock. Anadromous … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Brown Trout |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | — |
| Temperature | 24-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Moderate | — |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Brown Trout |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 6/10 |
| 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.
Brown Trout
Firm, flavorful flesh ranging from cream to pink; moderately fatty with a richer taste than rainbow trout. Excellent pan-fried, baked, or smoked; highly regarded as a European table fish.
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.
Brown Trout
The brown trout is native to European rivers and has been introduced worldwide. Renowned for its wariness and intelligence, it is the ultimate quarry for fly fishers. Larger specimens become nocturnal, feeding primarily on smaller fish.