Species · Cichlids
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The tall, graceful centrepiece cichlid — beautiful, but it is a cichlid, not a peaceful community fish: it grows large, needs height, gets territorial, and will eat fish small enough to fit its mouth (neons included).
Difficulty: IntermediateCichlid setup✓ Fact-checked care guide
Quick facts
| Adult size | ~15 cm / 6 in tall in the body — much taller with the fins |
|---|---|
| Minimum tank | ~120 L / 30 US gal — SeriouslyFish recommends a 100 × 40 cm base; it needs height |
| Temperature | 25–29 °C / 77–84 °F (within the species range of 24–30 °C / 75–86 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.4 |
| Hardness | 0–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard) |
| Filtration & flow | Cycled, gentle-to-moderate filtration; a tall, well-planted tank |
| Diet | Carnivore-leaning omnivore — quality flake/pellet plus live/frozen foods |
| Social | A pair or a small group in a large tank; pairs get territorial when breeding |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful, but a semi-aggressive, territorial cichlid |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
Overview
The angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most iconic aquarium fish — a tall, graceful, disc-shaped cichlid that makes a stunning centrepiece. It is not difficult to keep, but it is often kept wrongly.
The key thing beginners miss: it is a cichlid, not a peaceful community tetra. It grows big and tall, it becomes territorial (especially a breeding pair), and it is a predator that will happily eat small fish like neon tetras.
Water & tank
Angels like warm, soft-to-moderate water (pH 6.0–7.4, 0–15 dGH) at 25–29 °C / 77–84 °F. Because they grow tall, height matters as much as footprint — give them a tall tank of at least ~120 L / 30 US gal (SeriouslyFish recommends a 100 × 40 cm base).
A planted tank with tall plants and some vertical structure suits their shape and gives a pair somewhere to establish territory. Cycle the tank fully first.
Feeding
A carnivore-leaning omnivore — a quality flake/pellet base plus live/frozen foods (bloodworm, brine shrimp). Feed small amounts once or twice a day.
Behaviour & tankmates
Choose tankmates on two rules: not small enough to eat, and not nippy. Angels will eat neon tetras, ember tetras and other tiny fish, and long-finned angels are a target for fin-nippers (tiger barbs, some tetras).
They suit medium, calm community fish. A bonded pair will defend a territory when spawning — expect some aggression then, and give them space.
What to expect
A settled angel glides serenely and becomes a real centrepiece. Two angels may pair off and spawn on a vertical surface, turning territorial toward tankmates while guarding eggs — normal cichlid behaviour.
Myths, kindly busted
“Angelfish are peaceful community fish.”
They are cichlids — generally calm, but territorial when breeding and predatory toward small fish like neon tetras.
“Angelfish and neon tetras are a classic combo.”
A grown angel will eat neon-sized fish — a common, avoidable mistake. Pair angels with fish too big to swallow.
When to act
We triage, not diagnose — but these are worth a closer look (starting with a water test):
- Sudden aggression toward tankmates — often a pair defending a spawning site; rearrange or rehome if it persists.
- Clamped fins, hanging at the surface, or gasping — angels are sensitive to poor water; test and do a water change.
Sources & further reading
- SeriouslyFish — Pterophyllum scalare (angelfish) — Adult ~150 mm SL (tall); recommended 100 × 40 cm base (large tank); temperature 24–30 °C / 75–86 °F; pH 6.0–7.4; hardness 0–15 dGH; a cichlid — generally peaceful but territorial and predatory on small fish.
Written & fact-checked by The Finfern Team against the sources above — kind, general guidance, not a diagnosis. If something looks wrong, test your water and, if it persists, contact a fish-savvy vet.
Join the shoal
Honest freshwater care, the occasional myth kindly busted, and new guides — straight to your inbox. No spam, no gatekeeping.
Water-first tips and new guides the moment they land. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.