Golden Angelfish - L

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
• Common Name: Golden Angelfish
• Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm) in body length; up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall including fins
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years (up to 12 with excellent care)
• Habitat: Native to slow-moving rivers and floodplains in the Amazon Basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia); typically found in soft, warm, plant-rich waters

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for a pair; 55+ gallons for a small group or community
• Ideal Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)

  Temperament: Semi-peaceful; can be territorial when breeding

  • Best kept with peaceful or similarly sized fish

  • May eat very small tankmates (like neon tetras) as they grow

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes
  • Eats high-quality flake or pellet food as a staple
  • Supplement with frozen/live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
  • Will also accept blanched vegetables like spinach or peas occasionally
  • Feed 1–2 times daily; do not overfeed

Appearance

• Tall, triangular body with elongated dorsal and anal fins

• "Assorted Angel" refers to various color and pattern morphs, including:

  • Silver, Marble, Gold, Koi, Veil Tail, Black Lace, and more

• Long, flowing fins give them a graceful, elegant swimming style

Distinctive Features

• Known for vertical body shape and ability to maneuver gracefully through plants
• Popular for community and planted tanks due to their peaceful appearance and elegance
• Pair-bonding cichlids that form long-term breeding pairs
• Can lay eggs on broad-leaf plants, glass, or decor when spawning