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Zebra Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Cichlidae
Variety of Silver Angelfish · zebra
📍 Amazon Basin, South America
A captive-bred morph with additional vertical black stripes beyond the standard three, creating a more densely barred zebra-like pattern. A popular show variety that stands out in species-specific or South American biotope scapes.
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Care Guide
Diet
Zebra Angelfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Offer small amounts of vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina-based flakes to round out their nutrition. Feed juveniles once daily in small portions; adults do well with once daily feeding.
Behavior
These fish are semi-aggressive, particularly during breeding season when pairs become highly territorial and will chase other fish away from their spawning site. They are mid-water swimmers that prefer tall tanks with vertical space and appreciate plants or décor for shelter. Zebra Angelfish are generally peaceful toward similarly-sized fish but may nip at smaller species or long-finned tankmates.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable with proper conditioning and dedicated breeding tanks. Pairs require warm water (26-28°C), slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.0-6.5), and vertical surfaces like broad-leaved plants or breeding cones for egg-laying. Expect 100-300 eggs per spawn; parents typically guard fry for 2-3 weeks before they become independent, though removing fry to a separate rearing tank increases survival rates.
Tank Mates
Small schooling fish that occupy mid-water; similar water requirements and non-aggressive temperament
Peaceful schooling fish that stay in groups; compatible with slightly acidic, warm water
Nocturnal algae-eater that doesn't compete with angelfish; helps maintain tank cleanliness
Similar size and temperament but may compete for territory; monitor during breeding season
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that occupy bottom space without threatening angelfish
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, fish rubbing against décor
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or commercial ich treatment for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial changes, remove sharp décor, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure ammonia and nitrite remain at 0 ppm
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Small holes or pits developing on the head, loss of appetite, white stringy feces
Perform 50% water changes every 2-3 days, treat with metronidazole-based medication, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine gold or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, reduce light exposure, treat with copper-free medication or salt; perform daily water changes during treatment
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; up to 30 cm (11.8 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)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.