Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Also known as: Freshwater angelfish
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 15-20 cm (6-8 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 200 litres (50 gallons)
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Swimming level: middle
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: intermediate
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24–30°C
- pH: 6–7.5
- Hardness (GH): 0–268 ppm (0–15 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
The classic aquarium fish: graceful, intelligent, long-lived, and one of the few species that genuinely recognises its keepers. Often dismissed as 'beginner' because juveniles are sold cheaply at chain shops, but angelfish are genuinely intermediate to keep well: they need a tall tank (45cm+ height), warm soft water, and careful tankmate selection that accounts for their adult size and predatory instincts. Available in many colour morphs (silver, gold, koi, marble, zebra). Pairs form bonds and breed readily in suitable conditions, providing some of the most rewarding parental behaviour in the hobby.
Tankmates
A common beginner mistake: pairing angelfish with neon tetras. Angelfish are slow-growing cichlids that eventually grow large enough to eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths, including the neons that were their tankmates as juveniles. Tall body shape requires tanks with significant vertical depth, not just floor space. Best kept as a single specimen, a bonded pair, or a school of 6+ juveniles (groups of 2-5 often see aggression as a pair forms and bullies the rest). Will eat shrimp without exception.
Compatible with
- Bronze Corydoras
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Pearl Gourami
- Kuhli Loach
- Cardinal Tetra
- Rummynose Tetra
- Silver Dollar
Avoid keeping with
- Neon Tetra
- Ember Tetra
- Chili Rasbora
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
- Fin Nippers
- Tiger Barb
- Small Tetras
- Guppy
- Platy
- Zebra Danio
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Scarlet Badis
- Celestial Pearl Danio
- Bumblebee Goby
Common Problems
- predation on small tankmates after reaching adult size
- stunting in undersized tanks
- fin damage from inappropriate tankmates
- aggression between unpaired adults
- sensitivity to nitrate above 40 ppm
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-18