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Zebra Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›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.
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
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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; 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)