Silver Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Amazon Basin, South America

The classic wild-type angelfish with a silver body and bold black vertical bars. Its triangular profile and long trailing fins make it a centrepiece fish. Prefers tall tanks with vertical driftwood or broad-leaf plants that mimic Amazonian floodplains. Semi-aggressive during spawning but generally peaceful with similarly sized tank mates.

Size6"

Min Tank30g

School2+

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Silver 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 in their tall tanks.

Behavior

Silver Angelfish are mid-water swimmers with a calm, graceful demeanor in community settings, though they become territorial and semi-aggressive during breeding season. They are curious and interactive, often recognizing their keeper at feeding time, and prefer tall tanks with vertical structures that allow them to navigate their natural floodplain-like environment.

Breeding

Breeding Silver Angelfish in captivity is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions, slightly warmer temperatures (26-28°C), and a dedicated breeding pair or group. Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend eggs and fry; remove other tank mates during spawning, and expect 100-300 eggs per spawn with fry becoming free-swimming in 5-8 days.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater that occupies bottom zone; shares same water parameters and poses no threat to angelfish

excellent

German Blue Ram

Similar size and temperament; both prefer warm, slightly acidic water; may compete for space during breeding

good

Diamond Tetra

Schooling fish that stays in mid-water; fast enough to avoid angelfish aggression; compatible water chemistry

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that prefers soft, acidic water matching angelfish requirements; non-aggressive

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal bottom-dweller that helps control algae; peaceful and shares same warm water preferences

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp may be eaten by adult angelfish; best in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots

caution

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, fish rubbing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 24-28°C

Angelfish Virus (Iridovirus)

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of appetite, body discoloration, bloating, erratic swimming behavior

Treatment

No cure available; isolate infected fish to prevent spread, maintain optimal water conditions to support immune system, euthanize if condition worsens