Cichlid
Care basics
Angelfish are tall, graceful cichlids, so tank height matters as much as length. A planted tank with driftwood and some open swimming room suits them well.
Young angelfish can be kept in a group, and pairs form naturally as they mature. A pair will claim a section of the tank and lay eggs on a leaf, slate or the glass. Keep tank mates big enough not to fit in an adult angel’s mouth.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pterophyllum scalare |
|---|---|
| Group | South American |
| Native to | Amazon River basin, South America |
| Adult size | About 6 inches long and up to 8 to 10 inches tall with fins |
| Tank size | 30 gallon tall for a pair, 55 gallons or more for a small group |
| Temperature | 76 to 82 F |
| pH | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Diet | Omnivore. Flakes or small pellets as a staple, plus frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis |
| Temperament | Semi aggressive. Calm in general, but pairs become territorial when spawning, and adults will eat small fish like neon tetras. |
Good tank mates
Larger tetras, corydoras, bristlenose plecos, peaceful gouramis. Always match size, temperament and water needs, and add new fish to a cycled tank after quarantine.
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish vary. Questions about your tank? Ask us.
