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Blushing Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Silver Angelfish · blushing
📍 South America
The Blushing Angelfish lacks the guanine layer on its cheeks, giving it a translucent face with pink-blushed gill covers — hence the name. The rest of the body is typically silver or white, creating a ghostly, delicate appearance.
Care Guide
Diet
Blushing Angelfish are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms once daily in small portions. Supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers 2-3 times weekly to support digestive health and coloration.
Behavior
These delicate fish are peaceful and somewhat shy, preferring planted tanks with vertical spaces to navigate. They are slow swimmers that spend time in mid-water levels and exhibit curious but cautious behavior, especially when first introduced to a tank. They are best kept in pairs or small groups and may become stressed in overly active environments.
Breeding
Breeding Blushing Angelfish in captivity is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions, slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.5), and temperatures around 26-27°C. Pairs will lay eggs on vertical surfaces like plant leaves or breeding cones; parents typically guard eggs and fry for several weeks. Raising fry requires infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp as first foods.
Tank Mates
Peaceful schooling fish with similar water requirements and non-aggressive behavior
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with compatible temperature and pH preferences; monitor for territorial behavior
Small invertebrates that occupy different tank zones; ensure adequate hiding spots for shrimp
Tiny algae-eating fish that are peaceful and won't disturb angelfish or compete for food
Common Diseases
Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, treat with antibacterial medication, ensure good filtration and remove any sharp tank decorations
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, body sores or lesions, color fading, labored breathing
Perform 50% water change immediately, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain optimal water parameters and reduce tank stocking if overcrowded
Velvet Disease
Fine gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid gill movement, scratching behavior, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, dim lighting to reduce stress, treat with copper-based medication or salt baths; quarantine affected fish if possible
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