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Veil Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
Variety of Silver Angelfish · veil
📍 Amazon Basin, South America
A captive-bred variety with dramatically elongated, veil-like fins on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The flowing fins are visually stunning but more delicate — avoid housing with fin-nipping species. The veil gene can be combined with any colour morph (silver, koi, marble, etc.).
Care Guide
Diet
Feed high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple once daily, supplemented 3-4 times weekly with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia to promote color and fin development. Occasional vegetable matter (blanched spinach, spirulina flakes) supports digestive health. Adjust portions so food is consumed within 2-3 minutes to avoid water quality issues.
Behavior
Veil Angelfish are semi-aggressive, especially during breeding and territorial disputes. They are mid-water swimmers that prefer tall, planted tanks with vertical space to navigate. Pairs or small groups may establish hierarchies; solitary individuals are peaceful but may become aggressive toward smaller fish or those with flowing fins.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires stable water conditions (pH 6.0–6.5, 26–28°C) and a dedicated breeding tank. Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend eggs and fry; remove other fish before spawning occurs. Fry are free-swimming after 5–7 days and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eater that occupies bottom zone; does not compete with or threaten veil fins
Schooling fish that stays in mid-water; similar water parameter requirements and non-aggressive temperament
Similar size and temperament but may compete for territory; only suitable in larger tanks (40+ gallons)
Small invertebrates that occupy lower water zones; may be predated upon if very young but generally safe
Hardy plant that provides cover and does not require high light; angelfish will not uproot it
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against décor, labored breathing, loss of appetite
Raise temperature gradually to 28–30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, and treat with ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following product instructions for 7–10 days
Fin Rot
Fraying or deterioration of fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stocking density, and treat with antibacterial medication (e.g., tetracycline) if secondary bacterial infection is suspected
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, weight loss
Perform large water changes, improve diet with varied foods including spirulina, and treat with metronidazole if parasitic infection is confirmed
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid gill movement, scratching behavior, cloudiness
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28–30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, and treat with copper-based medication or formalin following label directions
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – cichlid pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, flake
- lifespan
- 10–12 years
- max size
- 15 cm (5.9 in) body; fins can exceed 35 cm (13.8 in) fin-to-fin height
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum (taller is better)
- temperament
- Semi-aggressive, especially when breeding
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 3–8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–86°F (24–30°C)