Moderate

Angelfish

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Pterophyllum scalare

Complete Angelfish care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 30 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Angelfish

Quick Answer

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 30 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5 and temperature range of 22-26°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their semi-aggressive nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Angelfish requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 30 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 22-26°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.5 - 7.5 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Angelfish is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Angelfish has a semi-aggressive temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: neon tetra, cardinal tetra, tiger barb, guppy.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
22-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.5 - 7.5

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Angelfish can be kept together safely?
Keep a single specimen, a confirmed breeding pair, or a large group of 6 or more in a tall aquarium with minimum dimensions of 36x18x24 inches (90x45x60 cm) and 55 gallons (208 liters). Avoid groups of 3-4, as dominant fish will single out and harass the weakest to death. In community tanks, maintain 1 angelfish per 10 gallons (38 liters) to reduce territorial disputes. Provide at least 20 inches (50 cm) of vertical height to prevent dorsal fin damage. Use driftwood and tall plants (Vallisneria, Amazon swords) as visual barriers spaced 12 inches apart.
What are the exact water chemistry requirements for freshwater Angelfish?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 3 - 8 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 3 - 6 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 80 - 200 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 150 - 400 μS/cm, and temperature 76°F - 82°F (24°C - 28°C). Wild-caught Pterophyllum altum require softer conditions (pH 5.0-6.0, TDS <80 ppm), while tank-bred varieties tolerate harder water up to 12 dGH. Maintain nitrates below 20 ppm using a canister filter with 10x turnover per hour. Adding driftwood and Indian almond leaves naturally buffers to acidic conditions.
What is the nutritional and medication protocol for Angelfish?
They are opportunistic omnivores requiring 45% protein, 15% fat, and 40% plant matter. Feed premium cichlid flakes (New Life Spectrum) or pellets twice daily, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped earthworms. Offer blanched spinach or spirulina wafers twice weekly to prevent bloat. Adult angelfish will prey on neon tetras and other nano fish. Medication alert: Sensitive to copper; use malachite green for ich at half dose (0.05 mg/L). Praziquantel is safe for internal parasites. Avoid dimetridazole, which causes neurological damage.
How to breed Angelfish with a step-by-step simulation?
Select a bonded pair (1.5 years old) and condition with live blackworms and mysis shrimp for 14 days. Raise temperature to 82°F (28°C) and perform daily 10% water changes with soft (3 dGH) water. Introduce a vertical spawning slate or PVC pipe (12x4 inches/30x10 cm) tilted at 30 degrees. The female lays 200-400 eggs in rows over 2 hours; male fertilizes immediately. Remove parents after spawning; eggs hatch in 48-60 hours at 80°F (27°C). Wrigglers become free-swimming in 5-7 days. Fry feed on infusoria for 3 days, then baby brine shrimp 4 times daily. Weekly water changes of 20% are critical.