Angelfish

Q: 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.

Q: How big does Angelfish get?

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

Q: Is Angelfish good for aquariums?

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

Q: 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.

Q: Is Angelfish endangered?

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

Q: What family does Angelfish belong to?

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

Abstract

A tall, laterally compressed cichlid of the South American genus Pterophyllum, the freshwater angelfish is recognised at once by its triangular profile and long, trailing dorsal and anal fins. It occurs naturally across the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, favouring densely vegetated floodplain swamps and slow, soft, acidic tributaries. Wild fish are silver with four bold black vertical bars, one crossing the eye, while centuries of selective breeding have produced gold, marble, koi, and platinum strains. A semi-aggressive community fish, it reaches about 15 centimetres and needs a tall aquarium of at least 190 litres kept between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Breeding pairs are devoted parents, cleaning a vertical surface before laying and guarding the eggs together. It is assessed as Least Concern.