Pterophyllum "scalare"

The natural range of this species covers parts of Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil. It's found in numerous river systems, including the Rio Oyapock, Rio Essequibo, Rio Ucayali, Rio Solimões and the main Amazon drainage. It also occurs in various rivers in the Brazilian state of Amapá. Wild fish are rare in the hobby these days though, with the vast majority of the ones on sale being mass-produced in the Far East and Eastern Europe.

The natural range of this species covers parts of Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil. It's found in numerous river systems, including the Rio Oyapock, Rio Essequibo, Rio Ucayali, Rio Solimões and the main Amazon drainage. It also occurs in various rivers in the Brazilian state of Amapá. Wild fish are rare in the hobby these days though, with the vast majority of the ones on sale being mass-produced in the Far East and Eastern Europe.

An aquarium measuring 100 ∗ 40 ∗ 50 cm39 ∗ 16 ∗ 20 in should be the smallest considered.

Well planted with tall leafy plants such as Amazon Swords. Gentle water flow preferred. A tall tank of at least 50 cm20 in is recommended for adult fish.

Temperature: 24 – 30 °C75 – 86 °F

pH: 6.0 - 7.4

Hardness: 0-15 dH

Omnivorous but wild fish feed predominantly on various items of zoobenthos such as small crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates. today's tank-bred fish are far-removed from their ancestors Will accept pellet or flake food in the aquarium. Relishes live or frozen foods.

Generally a peaceful cichild but may squabble with it's own kind, so best kept in small groups. Good community fish but may eat small fish such as tetras.

Quite difficult to sex. Males have smaller, pointed genital papillae but this can only usually be seen when spawning. Behaviour may be a better indicator as males are likely to be more aggressive and territorial especially when inbreeding condition. If you are intending breeding, it is a good idead to start with a group of six juvenile fish. From this a pair is sure to form.

Angels spawn on vertical surfaces such as slate, broad-leaved plants or even the aquarium glass. If you have a bonded pair, little needs to be done to ecourage them to breed. Ensure the fish are well conditioned with live food such as bloodworm and brineshrimp. Angels make good parents and will guard the eggs and then the fry, once hatched. Ensure the adults are kept well fed as it is not unkown for them to eat their fry. Fry can be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp after they have absorbed their yolk sacs (usually after two days) and then moved on to commercially available fry food.

A well known and popular aquarium fish. Angels are available in a number of colour forms including black, gold and koi strains, in addition to the standard silver. It is worth remembering that although angels are generally peaceful, they are still cichilds so some aggression should be expected from time to time.