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Leopard Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Silver Angelfish · leopard
📍 South America
The Leopard Angelfish displays a speckled pattern of small dark spots over a silver or light body, resembling a leopard's markings. Care is identical to other angelfish — sensitive to water quality and best kept in tall tanks with gentle filtration.
Care Guide
Diet
Leopard Angelfish are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake food or pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia. Include vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based foods. Feed small portions once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Leopard Angelfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial and aggressive toward smaller fish or fry, especially during breeding. They are slow, deliberate swimmers that prefer tall tanks with vertical space and appreciate plants or décor for shelter. They are social fish that do well in pairs or small groups if raised together, though they may become aggressive with age.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions, slightly warmer temperatures (26-28°C), and a dedicated breeding tank with vertical spawning surfaces. Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively guard eggs and fry. Expect 100-300 eggs per spawn, with fry becoming free-swimming in 5-7 days and requiring infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank Mates
Peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water column and don't compete with angelfish
Similar size and temperament; may compete during breeding but generally compatible
Small algae-eaters that pose no threat and help maintain tank cleanliness
Peaceful schooling fish that stay in groups and avoid angelfish territory
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove any sharp décor, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24-26°C
Angelfish Virus (Iridovirus)
Lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating, color fading, sudden death
No cure; isolate infected fish immediately, maintain excellent water quality, euthanize if necessary to prevent spread to other fish
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, open sores, torn fins, loss of appetite, color loss
Perform 50% water change, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, maintain temperature at 25-26°C, improve filtration and reduce stocking density
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