El scalar fish or also known as Angel fish This is one of the most popular tropical species for aquariums. Their striking colors make them claim to give it joy and color. Its main characteristic in terms of care is that they are fish that live in warm waters and we have to always maintain the ideal temperature and the ideal conditions because they usually live from 7 to 9 years.
Originally from the Amazon they live in commune, silver colors of almost squashed shapes with vertical bands dark, provides the perfect camouflage for other species, but since the early twentieth century very beautiful variants have been produced after breeding in captivity.
Since the scalars can measure up to 25 cm, since they have two very thin and long ventral fins and the set of fins doubles or triples the height of the body, they need a large aquarium. Decorative items, such as plants, are recommended, but always on the sides and back of the aquarium and thus leave plenty of free space for the fish to swim comfortably and without space problems.
Special mention regarding the water temperature, the scalar fish needs to have a temperature of 24 degrees. If we need to install a heater, we will do it together with a thermometer, to control the temperature of the water. As they belong to the cichlid family, they therefore need almost neutral water, with a pH between 6 and 7,2 and slightly soft. You will also need strong lighting for 10-12 hours a day, to ensure vigorous plant growth.
Scalars are good companions for other species to coexistas long as they are approximately the same size. If you put them together with smaller fish, they can come to consider them as their own food. To improve coexistence it is better if they live in groups of several individuals, to avoid that they can become very territorial and aggressive.
Why can male scalars get aggressive with females?
They are generally aggressive because they are very territorial when they are breeding and the male can attack the females when they see any threat to the young or when removing the fish from the fish tank.