Angelfish vs Red Snapper
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Lutjanus campechanus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Lutjanus campechanus |
| Order | Cichliformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Lutjanidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 22.8 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. | Uniform rosy-red to brick-red over the entire body and fins; belly slightly paler pink-red; juveniles may show a dark spot at the lateral line below the anterior dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 10-190m |
| 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 … | Western North Atlantic from North Carolina to Yucatan, concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Associates with rocky reefs, artificial structures, and hard-bottom habitat … |
| 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. | Neritic, coral reefs |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | — |
| Temperature | 24-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Moderate | — |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Red Snapper
Moist, sweet white flesh with a nutty undertone and firm texture. Prized for whole roasting, pan-searing, and ceviche; a cornerstone of Gulf Coast and Caribbean cuisines.
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.
Red Snapper
The red snapper is one of the most commercially valuable reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. With its distinctive rose-red body and pointed anal fin, it inhabits rocky reefs and artificial structures at depths of 10-190 meters.