Angelfish vs Common Goldfish
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Carassius auratus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Common Goldfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Carassius auratus |
| Order | Cichliformes | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Cyprinidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Common Goldfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 45.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 2.0 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. | Brilliant orange to deep golden-yellow body with a metallic sheen across all scales; domesticated forms range from white, yellow, and red to black and calico bicolor combinations. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Common Goldfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | — | 0-20m |
| 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 … | Originates from rivers and lakes of eastern China and possibly Korea; domesticated for over 1,000 years. Wild relatives inhabit slow rivers, ponds, and slightly brackish … |
| 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. | Ponds, lakes, slow rivers across East Asia; introduced worldwide. Tolerates wide temperature range (10-30°C) and turbid water. Prefers shallow, vegetated areas with soft substrates. Domestic … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Common Goldfish |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | 150 L |
| Temperature | 24-28 | 10-24 |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | 6.0-8.0 |
| Care Level | Moderate | Easy |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | Peaceful |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Common Goldfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | — |
| 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.
Common Goldfish
Not consumed — a classic ornamental aquarium and pond fish; its vivid color and hardy nature make it one of the world's most popular decorative species.
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.
Common Goldfish
The goldfish was one of the first fish to be domesticated, with selective breeding in China dating back over 1,000 years. Despite common misconceptions, goldfish can live 10-15 years with proper care and require far more space than a small bowl.