Gold Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Amazon Basin, South America

A captive-bred variety carrying the gold gene, producing a warm golden-yellow body with reduced or absent black barring. The gold colouration intensifies with good nutrition and water quality. A classic show-tank fish that pairs beautifully with dark substrates.

Size6"

Min Tank30g

School2+

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Gold Angelfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp 2-3 times weekly. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding degrades water quality and reduces the vibrant gold coloration.

Behavior

Gold Angelfish are semi-aggressive, particularly during breeding and territorial defense, though they remain relatively peaceful in well-established communities. They are mid-water swimmers that prefer tall tanks with vertical space and enjoy exploring plants and décor. They exhibit curiosity and can recognize their keeper, often approaching the glass at feeding time.

Breeding

Breeding Gold Angelfish in captivity is moderately difficult and requires stable water conditions (pH 6.0–6.5, 26–28°C) and a dedicated breeding pair. Pairs typically lay eggs on vertical surfaces like plants or breeding cones; parents guard eggs and fry for 7–10 days before fry become free-swimming. Remove fry to a separate rearing tank to prevent predation by other tank inhabitants.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that occupy the bottom zone and do not compete with angelfish

excellent

German Blue Ram

Similar water parameters and temperament; may show mild aggression during breeding but generally compatible

good

Neon Tetra

Small schooling fish that occupy mid-water; avoid very small fry as angelfish may predate them

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish with matching water requirements; their movement complements angelfish behavior

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

May be preyed upon by angelfish, especially juveniles; use dense plants for refuge

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against décor, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28–30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following label directions; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality, treat with antibacterial medication; ensure temperature stays 26–28°C and avoid sharp décor

Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)

Symptoms

Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, weight loss

Treatment

Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, treat with metronidazole if severe; maintain pristine water conditions

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, torn fins, open sores, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily 25% water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; maintain optimal water parameters and reduce stocking density