AMAZING ANGELFISH

ANGELFISH ARE EASY TO CARE FOR AND CAN LIVE UP TO 10 YEARS IN CAPTIVITY IF THEY ARE PROVIDED WITH PROPER AQUARIUM CONDITIONS. BECAUSE OF THEIR SHAPE, THIS SPECIES PREFERS TALL AQUARIUMS WITH A CAPACITY OF AT LEAST 20 GALLONS.

- Maddy Hargrove*

Angelfish have long been a staple of the aquarium hobby due to their elegant appearance and graceful movements, and with new varieties consistently becoming available, they make an excellent choice for many home aquarists.

I for one have always believed that angelfish truly deserve the common name that they were given. They have an aquatic angelic quality due to their soft flowing lines and graceful movements. Nothing can compare to the sight of angelfish in a tank with lighting casting a shimmering glow on their beautiful bodies. This species is gorgeous and relaxing to watch, and is a very popular part of our hobby.

Angelfish belong to the genus Pterophyllum in the Cichlidae family. It is likely that aquarium strains are hybrids of different wild species, but they are generally considered to be P. scalare. This species is found throughout a very large range in South America and most of the Amazon River Basin.

Although most cichlids are aggressive, angelfish are an exception to the rule. This fun-loving and peaceful species really shines when placed in a proper home aquarium. Their sheer size is enough to catch the eye of children who seem captivated by their every movement. Even people who are unfamiliar with the aquarium hobby can identify an angelfish by its majestic and unique shape because they have become a popular icon for tropical fish.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Angelfish are unusually shaped for cichlids because they are laterally compressed, with round bodies and elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins. This unique diamond-shaped body allows them to hide and move easily among roots and plants. Their natural coloration includes dark vertical stripes, thought to provide camouflage like a zebra’s stripes.

Angelfish are ambush predators that prey on small fish and invertebrates that they stalk in the plants.

AQUARIUM CARE