Angelfish Care Sheet
Pterophyllum scalare
The elegant centerpiece fish for larger community tanks. Angelfish are semi-aggressive cichlids with tall, laterally compressed bodies and long flowing fins.
76–84°F
6–7.5
30 gallons
8–10 years
6 inches long, up to 10 inches tall (15 × 25 cm)
1 or 5+ (avoid pairs/trios — aggression issues)
Moderate. Form monogamous pairs. Lay eggs on flat surfaces (leaves, slate). Parents guard eggs and fry. Remove other fish during breeding.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivore — high-quality flakes/pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live foods. Feed 2-3 times daily.
Natural Habitat
Native to the Amazon basin — slow-moving rivers with dense vegetation and submerged roots. Prefer tall, well-planted tanks.
Care Tips
Need tall tanks (18+ inches) — their body shape requires vertical space
Will eat small fish (neon tetras) as adults — choose tank-mates carefully
Best kept as a single specimen or in a group of 5+ to spread aggression
Sensitive to poor water quality — maintain regular water changes
Pairs can become very territorial when breeding