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Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum): Complete Guide to Types & Care

By AFT Editorial •October 7, 2025

Freshwater angelfish are tall-bodied South American cichlids that thrive in warm, soft, stable water, do best in tall 29+ gallon tanks, and show their best colors on a varied, protein-rich diet.
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Elegant, intelligent, and unmistakably iconic—freshwater angelfish (genus Pterophyllum) bring Amazon river grace to home aquariums. This hub separates solid husbandry from myth, helps you pick the right tank, parameters, and tankmates, and highlights the most popular types (Silver, Koi, Marble, Veil) with breeding and health essentials.

Quick Facts

Freshwater angelfish quick facts
Topic Answer
Scientific group Pterophyllum (family Cichlidae)
Recognized species P. scalare, P. altum, P. leopoldi
Adult size ~6 in body height; 8–10+ in tall with fins (Altum even taller)
Minimum tank 29–40 gal tall for a small group; larger for Altum
Water 76–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard
Temperament Semi-territorial cichlid; peaceful when uncrowded
Diet Omnivore; quality pellets + frozen mysis/brine + occasional live
Lifespan 8–12 years with excellent care
Difficulty Beginner–intermediate (Altum: intermediate–advanced)

Introduction: The Graceful World of Pterophyllum

Welcome to the definitive guide to freshwater angelfish. These iconic fish, belonging to the genus Pterophyllum, are renowned for their elegant, disc-shaped bodies and long, flowing fins that create a triangular, angelic silhouette as they navigate the water. This guide will delve deep into their world, covering everything from their origins in the Amazon River basin to their temperament and storied history in the aquarium hobby.

Native to the quiet, slow-moving waters of South America, angelfish prefer densely planted environments where they can seek shelter and hunt for small crustaceans and insects. Their compressed bodies are perfectly adapted for maneuvering through aquatic plants and submerged roots. While the wild-type Silver Angelfish is a beauty in its own right, decades of selective breeding have produced a breathtaking array of colors and fin variations, making them a staple and a centerpiece in home aquariums worldwide. Understanding their natural habitat is the first step to successfully keeping these graceful fish.
This is the core of our guide, showcasing the stunning diversity of selectively bred angelfish. Below is a gallery of the most popular and sought-after varieties. Each has a link to a dedicated profile with in-depth information on its specific needs and characteristics.


A silver angelfish swimming in a planted aquarium with its tank mates, rummy nose tetras and corydoras catfish.

Angelfish Tank Mates

The Golden Rules for Angelfish Compatibility Before diving into specific species, understanding a few core principles will empower you to make smart choices on your own. A potential tank mate…
Philippine Blue Angelfish in a planted freshwater aquarium

Philippine Blue Angelfish

Dive into the shimmering world of one of the most sought-after freshwater angelfish varieties. The Philippine Blue Angelfish is not just a fish; it's a living jewel, prized for the…
A Black Angelfish in a beautifully aquascaped tank

Black Angelfish

Renowned for its deep, velvety black coloration and classic, elegant shape, the Black Angelfish stands out as a dramatic centerpiece in any well-maintained aquarium.
A stunning Double Dark Black Angelfish with a deep, velvety black coloration.

Double Dark Black Angelfish

This guide covers the essential care for this elegant fish and delves into the genetics that distinguish it from its close relative, the Black Lace Angelfish.
An elegant Black Lace Angelfish showcasing its dark body and the intricate lace pattern in its fins.

Black Lace Angelfish

Learn the genetics behind the elegant Black Lace Angelfish and how to tell it apart from the Black Velvet variety in our complete care guide.
The Koi Angelfish is named for its beautiful tri-color pattern, not any relation to actual Koi carp.

Koi Angelfish

Despite the name, the Koi Angelfish is not a hybrid of a koi carp and an angelfish. They are 100% freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare).
The Marble Angelfish is a product of selective breeding, prized for its unique coloration.

Marble Angelfish

The Marble Angelfish is not a distinct species found in the wild. Instead, it is a color morph of the common Freshwater Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare.
Graceful Silver Angelfish in Freshwater Aquarium

Silver Angelfish

The classic wild-type, featuring a silver body with distinct vertical black stripes that provide camouflage in its natural habitat.

Comprehensive Care Guide

Proper care is essential for your angelfish to thrive. This section covers the fundamental aspects of their husbandry.

Tank Size & Setup

Angelfish need vertical space to accommodate their height. A minimum of a 20-gallon "high" tank is recommended for a young pair, but a larger tank of 40 gallons or more is ideal for a small group of adults. The setup should mimic their natural habitat with plenty of broadleaf plants, driftwood, and subdued lighting.

Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial. Angelfish are hardy but do best in soft, slightly acidic water. Aim for the following parameters:

  • Temperature: 76–86°F (24–30°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5
  • Hardness: 3–8 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Angelfish are omnivores and require a varied diet. A high-quality flake or pellet food should be the staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to ensure optimal health and coloration.

Tank Mates

While beautiful, angelfish are cichlids and can be semi-aggressive, especially towards smaller fish or during breeding. Good tank mates include peaceful, medium-sized fish like Corydoras catfish, larger tetras, and plecos. Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs and very small fish like neon tetras, which may be eaten.

Read our guide, “The Ultimate Angelfish Tank Mates Guide”, for an in-depth explanation.

Breeding Freshwater Angelfish

Breeding angelfish can be a rewarding experience. They are substrate spawners and form monogamous pairs.
Pair of freshwater angelfish guarding eggs on a spawning slate
To encourage spawning, provide flat surfaces like broad plant leaves or a vertical piece of slate. The breeding pair will meticulously clean a chosen site before the female lays rows of eggs, which the male then fertilizes. The parents are typically excellent caregivers, fanning the eggs and defending their territory fiercely. This section provides an overview, but for a step-by-step walkthrough, see our dedicated breeding guide.

Common Diseases & Treatments

Like all fish, angelfish are susceptible to common freshwater diseases such as Ich (White Spot Disease), Fin Rot, and fungal infections. Most issues can be prevented with pristine water quality and a proper diet. Quarantine all new fish before adding them to your main tank. Should a problem arise, correctly diagnosing the ailment is key to a successful treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are freshwater angelfish and saltwater angelfish the same?

No. Freshwater angelfish are Pterophyllum cichlids from South America; saltwater angelfish are Pomacanthidae reef fish. They are unrelated and need different care.

What tank size do freshwater angelfish need?

Choose a tall 29–40 gallon tank for a small group or pair. Larger volumes improve stability and reduce territorial stress; Altum angelfish need substantially more height and volume.

What water parameters are best?

Target 76–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water, 0 ppm ammonia and nitrite, and nitrate under 20 ppm with steady maintenance.

How many angelfish should be kept together?

Keep one, a proven pair, or a larger group of six or more to diffuse aggression. Groups of two or three often lead to bullying.

What do freshwater angelfish eat?

Offer a quality pellet as a staple and rotate frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional live foods. Include a weekly fast day to support digestion.

Are they beginner-friendly?

Yes—most Pterophyllum (especially Silver/Marble) suit attentive beginners with an adequately tall tank and stable water. Altum angelfish are better for experienced keepers.

Which tankmates are safe?

Choose peaceful species that won't nip long fins: corydoras, hatchetfish, bristlenose plecos, larger rasboras. Avoid tiger barbs, fin-nippers, large predators, and tiny nano fish.

How do I breed freshwater angelfish?

Provide a pair, a spawning surface (cone/slate/leaf), stable warm water, and high-quality foods. Expect egg fanning and guarding; feed fry infusoria then newly hatched brine shrimp.

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