Angelfish, also known as Pterophyllum scalare, is one of the most popular fish in freshwater aquariums. This fish, belonging to the family of cichlids, is native to South America, particularly the warm, calm waters of the Amazon River and its tributaries in the Guyana region. Its slender bodies and long, elegant fins make it one of the most beautiful species you can add to your aquarium. If you are thinking of having one of these fish at home, it is essential to know its habitat, care, and feeding well to offer them the best quality of life possible.
Physical characteristics of the angelfish
El Angel fish It has a flattened and laterally compressed body, which makes it easier for it to move through the dense aquatic vegetation where they usually live. Its body is disk-shaped with dorsal, ventral, pectoral and anal fins that are so long that they often double the height of its body.
One of the most admired features of these fish are their beautiful long and elegant fins that give them a majestic appearance. In addition, the angelfish They can reach a length of up to 15 cm and a height that can exceed 20 cm if the fins are included. Although the most common variety is silver with dark vertical stripes, there are several color variations due to selective breeding, including shades ranging from black, marble, gold and koi.
The movement of these fish inside the aquarium is elegant and serene, allowing them to swim slowly and sometimes vertically. In addition, this way of swimming vertically is fascinating as they seem to float in the water.
As for gender, it is difficult to distinguish between males and females outside the spawning season. During the reproductive phase, females tend to show a larger and more rounded genital papilla, while males have a more pointed papilla. However, these differences are subtle and it is easier to differentiate them during spawning.
Natural habitat and ideal environment for an angelfish in captivity
In their natural habitat, the angelfish They thrive in the slow-moving, densely vegetated waters of the Amazon Basin. Their natural environment typically features broad-leafed vegetation among which the fish can hide, feed, and reproduce. These fish are also known for their ability to move through vegetation without difficulty, thanks to their streamlined bodies and agile swimming.
If you want to keep angelfish in your aquarium, it is important that you recreate an environment similar to the one they have in the wild. To start with, you should make sure that the aquarium has a minimum height of 50 cm and a volume of at least 200 liters if you are going to keep a group. de pecesThe larger the aquarium size, the more comfortable your fish will be.
In addition, angelfish aquariums should have a good amount of broad-leafed plants, such as Swords of the Amazon and the VallisneriaThese plants not only enhance the design of the aquarium, but provide shelter and a place for the fish to hide, relax and eventually spawn. Don't forget to avoid decorations with sharp edges that can damage the delicate fins of these fish.
The aquarium water should have a constant temperature, ideally between 24°C and 28°C, and a pH 6.5 to 7.0. In addition, it is essential that the water is slightly soft, with a low mineral content (GH 3-8). An efficient filtration system and regular water changes of 20% weekly will ensure that your angelfish enjoy a clean and healthy environment.
As these fish are territorial and gregarious, it is advisable to keep at least four or five of them together to establish a hierarchy within the group. However, you must be careful to ensure that there is enough space, as lack of space can encourage aggressive behaviour between them. During the breeding season, fish can become more territorial, so make sure you provide them with enough space and hiding places where they can protect their eggs.
Feeding angelfish
The angelfish They are omnivores, so their eating should be varied and balanced to ensure proper growth and good overall health. In their natural environment, they feed on small crustaceans, insects, and some vegetables, so in captivity, you should offer them a combination of Live, frozen and flake foods.
The ideal diet of an angelfish includes:
- Quality flakes designed for tropical fish.
- Live or frozen foods such as artemia, blood worms o tubifex.
- Vegetable supplements such as spinach and peas, which you should boil before offering to avoid introducing bacteria into the aquarium.
It is essential not to overfeed your angelfish, as an unbalanced diet or excess food can cause digestive problems. Ideally, they should be fed two or three times a day in small portions that are consumed in less than 3 minutes. In addition, including plant foods in their diet not only contributes to their growth and health, but also to maintaining the intensity and brightness of their colors.
If you have fry or baby angelfish, it is advisable to offer them newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and finely ground foods. As they grow, you can gradually adapt their diet to larger and more varied foods.
Special care in the aquarium
The angelfish They are relatively easy fish to keep in community aquariums, as long as they are provided with the right conditions. One of the most important aspects is to maintain constant water quality and comply with the parameters mentioned above.
Another crucial aspect is to carefully choose the species they live with. Although angelfish can be peaceful, they can be territorial, especially during the breeding season. For this reason, it is best not to mix them with very small fish, such as tetras, unless they have been raised together in the same tank. Some species that are suitable for living with angelfish include the Molly fish and loricariidae.
When cleaning the aquarium, it is ideal to perform partial water changes once a week. This regular maintenance, together with a good filtration system, will contribute to the good health and well-being of the fish. It is also advisable to have plants in the aquarium that help oxygenate the water and improve the levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
Angelfish may also be susceptible to common aquarium fish diseases, such as white spot disease, columnaris o mushroomsTo prevent this, keep the aquarium in optimal conditions and pay attention to any signs of illness: spots on the body, worn fins or unusual behavior. If you notice any abnormalities, it is advisable to treat the fish with specific medications and adjust the water parameters if necessary.
Reproduction of angelfish
The angelfish They reach sexual maturity between six and twelve months of age. To reproduce them, it is necessary to identify a partner and prepare them for reproduction. During the reproductive process, the female will deposit the eggs on vertical surfaces such as plant leaves or even the glass of the aquarium. The male then fertilizes the eggs in a process that usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
A successful spawning can result in a large number of eggs, typically between 100 and 1000. To ensure the fry survive, it is recommended that you separate the parents from the eggs if they are kept in a community tank, as other fish may eat the eggs before they hatch. If you choose not to separate the parents, they will take care of the eggs and protect the fry until they reach the free-swimming stage, which occurs about two to three days after hatching.
As for feeding the fry, the main food during the first weeks is the yolk sac provided by the eggs themselves, but afterwards you will need to provide them with live foods, mainly brine shrimp nauplii.
It is advisable to maintain good water quality during the fry growth stage, as they are especially sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters and chemical imbalances.
The angelfish is an iconic species in the aquarium world due to its elegance and ability to adapt to different freshwater conditions. With proper care, angelfish can live up to 8 or even 12 years, bringing beauty and serenity to any aquarium.