Angel Koi (Pterophyllum) large

Angelfish are popular among aquarists because of their unique arrowhead bodies with beautiful, flowing fins. Although angelfish are usually peaceful, the fish are known to prey upon small fish and fight amongst fish of their kind, especially during breeding season.

Angelfish are native to tropical South America, including most of the Amazon water system in French Guiana, Brazil, Guyana, Columbia, and Peru. The fish are commonly found in slow-moving streams, floodplains, and swamps, in warm, acidic water with no salinity. The fish’s natural habitat is swampy with a sandy riverbed and lots of vegetation. Although this water is swampy, it isn’t dirty — sunlight can easily penetrate the water and reach the fish.

Fully-grown adult angelfish reach a body length of three or four inches and a height of six inches. Female angelfish have smaller, more rounded bodies than male angelfish. The brightness of an angelfish’s colouring depends on the fish’s mood and stress levels. When angelfish are stressed or asleep, the fish appear duller in colour. Healthy, well-nourished angelfish living in ideal water conditions have vibrant colours. Male angelfish have bolder colours than usual when attracting females for breeding.

Angelfish are active, showy fish that swim in the mid-levels of the tank, weaving in and out of Angelfish are active, showy fish that swim in the mid-levels of the tank, weaving in and out of aquarium plants. The fish are diurnal, meaning that they’re more active during the day than at night. With enough space to claim their own territories, angelfish are peaceful fish, but when housed with too many fish of their kind, angelfish fight to defend their space or claim a mate. Although angelfish form schools, the fish aren’t sociable with other angelfish and rarely interact with one another. However, angelfish are less aggressive than other cichlids and are unlikely to bully other fish species in the tank. The fish are diurnal, meaning that they’re more active during the day than at night.

Scientific name: Pterophyllum
Common names: Angelfish
Distribution: Tropical South America
Size:3–4 inches
Life expectancy: 10–12 years
Color: Black, silver, or gold, with vertical black bands
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Temperature: 75–82°F (25–28°C)
pH: 6.8–7
Hardness: 4–12 dGH
Care level: Easy
Breeding: Egg layer