Angelfish vs Guppy
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Poecilia reticulata
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Guppy |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Poecilia reticulata |
| Order | Cichliformes | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Poeciliidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Guppy |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 6.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 0.002 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. | Males display highly variable iridescent patterns on a gray-olive body; spots, reticulations, and solid patches of red, orange, blue, green, and black; flowing fantail fins often multicolored. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Guppy |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Brackish |
| 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 freshwater and slightly brackish streams of northern South America including Venezuela, Trinidad, and Barbados. Tolerates a wide range of salinities; introduced on every … |
| 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. | Slow-moving rivers, streams, ponds, and drainage ditches of northern South America (Venezuela, Trinidad). Warm, shallow water with dense vegetation (22-28°C). Highly adaptable; introduced worldwide. |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Guppy |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | 38 L |
| Temperature | 24-28 | 22-28 |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | 6.8-7.8 |
| 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.
Guppy
Not consumed — a tiny ornamental livebearer prized by hobbyists for its dazzling color variations and ease of breeding in the aquarium.
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.
Guppy
The guppy is one of the most widely distributed tropical fish, found in freshwater habitats across the Americas. Males display vivid colors and elaborate tail patterns to attract females. They are live-bearers, giving birth to free-swimming fry.