ANGELFISH CARE GUIDE

Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum spp.) are South American cichlids known for their tall bodies, long flowing fins, and distinctive personalities. Most aquarium Angelfish are captive-bred and available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Angelfish are generally peaceful to semi-aggressive but are still cichlids. They may become territorial as they mature, particularly when forming pairs or breeding.

Their tall body shape makes aquarium height especially important, and adults need considerably more room than their small juvenile size may suggest.

Adult Size: Approximately 6 inches long and 8–10+ inches tall with fins
Minimum Tank: 29 gallons for a single adult; 40–55+ gallons preferred for groups
Temperature: 76–82°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Care Level: Easy–Moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Group: South American Cichlid

Angelfish appreciate a tall aquarium with plenty of open swimming space along with plants, driftwood, and other structures that provide cover.

Live or artificial plants with broad or vertical leaves work especially well and can provide natural resting and spawning areas.

Gentle to moderate water movement is preferred. Strong filtration is important, but avoid excessive current that forces the fish to constantly fight against the flow.

Stable water conditions and regular water changes are important for long-term health.

Angelfish can be excellent community fish when housed with appropriately selected tank mates.

Good choices include peaceful medium-sized tetras, Corydoras, peaceful catfish, larger rasboras, peaceful gouramis, and other fish that tolerate similar water conditions.

Avoid aggressive fin-nippers that may damage the Angelfish's long fins.

Very small fish may eventually be viewed as food by a full-grown Angelfish. Angelfish are natural predators and may eat fish small enough to fit into their mouths.

Juvenile Angelfish can often be maintained successfully in groups, but their behavior can change as they mature.

Adults may form breeding pairs and establish territories. A breeding pair can become considerably more aggressive toward other Angelfish and tank mates while protecting eggs or fry.

Larger aquariums with plenty of visual barriers provide more opportunities for subordinate fish to escape territorial individuals.

Freshwater Angelfish are omnivores and should receive a varied diet.

Offer a quality tropical or cichlid pellet or flake as the staple food. Supplement with foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and other appropriately sized frozen or live foods.

Feed appropriate portions once or twice daily while avoiding overfeeding.

Angelfish commonly form pairs and spawn on vertical surfaces such as broad plant leaves, slate, aquarium glass, or filter components.

Both parents may guard the eggs and fry, although inexperienced pairs sometimes eat their first few batches of eggs.

Breeding pairs can become significantly more territorial than they are under normal conditions.

 Important 

 Freshwater Angelfish are cichlids and may become territorial as they mature or breed. Provide a tall aquarium, appropriate tank mates, stable water conditions, and remember that very small fish may eventually be viewed as food.