Description

Silver Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Species Profile:

Elegant, stately, and occasionally a bit of a diva, the Silver Angelfish is perhaps the most iconic silhouette in the freshwater hobby. While they belong to the Cichlid family, they swap the typical “bruiser” physique for a laterally compressed, disc-like shape that allows them to glide effortlessly through submerged roots and aquatic plants.

The “Silver” variety is essentially the wild-type colouration, displaying the classic metallic sheen and striking vertical bars that served as camouflage in the murky waters of the Amazon.

At a Glance

Physical Characteristics

The Silver Angelfish is defined by its verticality. In a healthy specimen, you should see:

• The Bars: Four primary black vertical stripes. One runs through the eye, and one through the base of the caudal (tail) fin.

• The Fins: Long, trailing dorsal and anal fins that can make the fish significantly taller than it is long.

• The Iridescence: A brilliant silver base that can catch the light with hints of green or blue.

Aquarium Requirements

Tank Geometry

This is the most common mistake keepers make: Angelfish need height, not just length. Because of their tall fins, a shallow tank will stunt their growth or cause fin deformities.

• Minimum Depth: At least 45–50 cm (approx. 18–20 inches).

• Substrate & Decor: They prefer a well-planted tank with “vertical” decor like tall pieces of bogwood or Vallisneria to mimic their natural river environment.

Water Parameters

Angelfish are relatively hardy but thrive in “blackwater” conditions—soft, slightly acidic water.

• Temperature: 24°C – 30°C (75°F – 86°F). They prefer it slightly warmer than your average community fish.

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

• Hardness: 5 – 13 dGH.

Diet and Nutrition

Angelfish are opportunistic omnivores with a very healthy appetite. They are “surface-oriented” feeders but will happily hunt throughout the water column.

• Staple: High-quality flake or slow-sinking granules.

• Protein Boost: They adore frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.

• The “Neon Tetra” Warning: In the wild, Angelfish are predators. If a tank mate is small enough to fit in an Angelfish’s mouth (like a juvenile Neon Tetra), it will eventually disappear.

Social Behaviour and Compatibility

Angelfish have a complex social hierarchy. When young, they are quite gregarious and enjoy being in groups. However, as they mature, they pair off and become fiercely territorial.

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Larger Tetras: Rummy-nose, Bleeding Heart, or Diamond Tetras.

• Corydoras: Excellent bottom-dwellers that stay out of the Angelfish’s “airspace.”

• Dwarf Cichlids: Such as Rams or Apistogramma.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers (like Tiger Barbs) who find those long, trailing Angelfish fins irresistible to bite.

A Word on Parenting: > Unlike many fish that scatter their eggs and forget them, Angelfish are devoted (and aggressive) parents. They will clean a flat surface—usually a broad leaf or a piece of slate—and guard their fry against all comers. If you see your pair hovering over a leaf and “shooing” everyone away, congratulations: you’re about to be a grandparent.

Convenient nationwide delivery; you’re only a click away!

Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.

For your peace of mind we enclose a slip which will explain what to do in the event of a fish not traveling too well.

We use a licensed courier to deliver your fish directly to you door and will be with you by 1pm the next day.

Our delivery days are as follows:

Tuesday for Wednesday delivery

Wednesday for Thursday delivery

Thursday for Friday delivery

Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.