Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Also sold as Pterophyllum · Scalare · Skalar
Synonyms Freshwater angel · Angel fish · Pterophyllum scalaris · Koi angelfish · Marble angelfish · Platinum angelfish · Silver angelfish
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 15 cm (5.9 in) and swims in open water. It wants 75–84°F (24–29°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 150 L (40 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 75–84°F (24–29°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| GH | 2–12 |
| KH | 3–8 |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Angelfish needs at least 150 L (40 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 40 Gallon Breeder.
- It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 5 cm (2 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
- It holds at 75–84°F (24–29°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- Do not put it with Cherry Shrimp, Chili Rasbora and Endlers.
- It can go wrong with Amano Shrimp, Cardinal Tetra and Celestial Pearl Danio — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- One of them takes up roughly 20% of what a 40 Gallon Breeder will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Angelfish: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 150 L (40 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 40 Gallon Breeder.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
75–84°F (24–29°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 3–8.
How long does it live?
8–12 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Angelfish | Blue Gourami | Convict Cichlid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm | 15 cm | 15 cm |
| Min tank | 150 L | 81 L | 90 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 75–84°F (24–29°C) | 75–86°F (24–30°C) | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |