Angelfish vs Corydoras
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Corydoras paleatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Corydoras paleatus |
| Order | Cichliformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Callichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 7.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 0.005 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. | Pale olive-gray to greenish body with irregular dark olive to black marbled blotches and spots; a broad dark blotch at the dorsal fin base; belly is cream to white; fins spotted or barred. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| 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 … | Native to the La Plata River system and coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. Inhabits shallow streams, flooded meadows, and sandy-bottomed lagoons … |
| 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 and streams of the Río de la Plata basin in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay). Inhabits clear-water streams over sandy and muddy bottoms. Active … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Corydoras |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | 40 L |
| Temperature | 24-28 | 22-26 |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | 6.0-8.0 |
| Care Level | Moderate | Easy |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | Peaceful |
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.
Corydoras
Not consumed — a small ornamental bottom-dwelling catfish beloved for its peaceful temperament and role as a substrate scavenger in community aquariums.
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.
Corydoras
The peppered corydoras is a peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish native to South American rivers. It uses its barbels to sift through substrate for food and should be kept in groups of six or more. It can gulp atmospheric air in low-oxygen conditions.