Pterophyllum scalare
Statement cichlid, needs tank height for the trailing fins. Grow out in groups of 4–6 juveniles, then expect one pair to bond and dominate; rehome the rest before adult aggression starts. Will pick off neon-sized fish. Pairs with: rummynose, larger rasboras, congo tetras, corydoras.
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) reaches 12–15 cm body (20+ cm height with fins) as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 200 L (height ≥ 45 cm). Native to Amazon basin, South America, it lives in the mid water column with a semi-aggressive (territorial when pairing) temperament. Aim for 24–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 8–12 years with good care. Angelfish can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: omnivore (micropredator), Flake, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, daphnia. Will hunt small tetras. Plant-safe: Mostly. Shrimp-safe: No (will hunt).
Care at a glance
Statement cichlid, needs tank height for the trailing fins. Grow out in groups of 4–6 juveniles, then expect one pair to bond and dominate; rehome the rest before adult aggression starts. Will pick off neon-sized fish. Pairs with: rummynose, larger rasboras, congo tetras, corydoras.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether angelfish fits in your tank.
Mid
No
Keep as a bonded pair
Cichlidae
Omnivore (micropredator)
Flake, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, daphnia. Will hunt small tetras.
8–12 yrs
Medium
Slow forested backwaters of the Amazon and Orinoco
Amazon basin, South America
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) needs a minimum tank of 200 L (height ≥ 45 cm). They live in the mid water column and can be kept singly, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 24–30 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (will hunt). Plant safety: Mostly.
Angelfish are omnivore (micropredator). Flake, micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, daphnia. Will hunt small tetras.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 3/5. Intermediate, stable parameters and a mature tank matter. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 8–12 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
