Species profile
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
250 L minimum aquarium
12–15 cm adult size
Mid–top
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tall-bodied social cichlid; adults need height and footprint, and small fish may be treated as prey.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–30 °C
pH
6–8
GH
5–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Mid–top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2.2
Juveniles are social; mature pairs can become strongly territorial when spawning. Avoid very small tankmates.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
250 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Pterophyllum scalare
Alternative names
Freshwater Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare aquarium strains
Native range
Amazon and Guiana Shield drainages of tropical South America; aquarium strains are heavily domesticated.
Natural habitat
Wild scalare use slow or gently flowing, structurally complex waters with submerged vegetation, roots and flooded margins.
Diet & feeding
Feed a varied omnivorous/carnivorous cichlid diet; suitably sized invertebrate foods are readily taken.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable sexing outside breeding condition is difficult; genital papilla and confirmed spawning behaviour are more dependable than body-shape folklore.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner; pairs clean and lay eggs on upright leaves, wood, slate or similar vertical surfaces.