Angelfish vs Greater Amberjack
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Seriola dumerili
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Seriola dumerili |
| Order | Cichliformes | Carangiformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Carangidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 80.6 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. | Olive-green to bluish back with a wide amber to golden-yellow mid-lateral stripe running from eye to tail; silvery-white belly; a dark diagonal stripe extends from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 1-385m |
| 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 … | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Commonly found around deepwater reefs, rocky outcrops, and offshore oil … |
| 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. | Pelagic, coral reefs |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | — |
| Temperature | 24-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Moderate | — |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| 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.
Greater Amberjack
Firm, rich flesh with a moderately strong flavor; can carry parasites in tropical waters, requiring thorough cooking. Good grilled or baked; related to the highly prized Japanese hamachi.
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.
Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jacks, known for brutal head-shaking fights and powerful dives toward structure. Found near reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.