Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Least Concern Freshwater

Max Length

15.0 cm

Max Weight

0.03 kg

Color

Silver to pale gold body …

Family

Cichlidae

About

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.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	15.0 cm
Maximum Weight	0.03 kg

Coloration

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.

Habitat & Distribution

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.

Water Type

Freshwater

Geographic Range

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Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Angelfish is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Not consumed — a graceful ornamental cichlid valued for its triangular body shape and striking vertical banding; widely kept in freshwater community tanks.

Aquarium Care

Care Level

Temperament

Semi-Aggressive

Min Tank Size

190 liters

Temperature

24-28

pH Range

6.0-7.5

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Taxonomy

Order	Cichliformes (Cichlids and allies)
Family	Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Species	Pterophyllum scalare

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Spanish	Escalar

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Angelfish?

Not consumed — a graceful ornamental cichlid valued for its triangular body shape and striking vertical banding; widely kept in freshwater community tanks.

How big does Angelfish get?

Angelfish can grow up to 15.0 cm long and weigh 0.03 kg.

Is Angelfish good for aquariums?

Angelfish has a moderate care level, a semi_aggressive temperament, requires a minimum tank size of 190 liters.

Where is Angelfish found?

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 tributaries with soft, acidic water. 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.

Is Angelfish endangered?

The conservation status of Angelfish is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Angelfish belong to?

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) belongs to the family Cichlidae (Cichlids) in the order Cichliformes (Cichlids and allies).