Silver Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare): Care, Size, Tank Mates & Guide

Quick Facts

Appearance & Size

The Silver Angelfish boasts a laterally compressed, diamond-shaped body that allows it to move gracefully through aquatic plants. Its body is a shimmering silver, accented by three distinct, vertical black stripes. A fourth, less prominent stripe often runs through the eye. Its iconic appearance is completed by its long, elegant dorsal and anal fins, which give the fish its significant height.

In a suitable environment, a Silver Angelfish will grow to about 6 inches in length, but its height, including its fins, can reach an impressive 10 inches. This vertical stature is a key reason why taller aquariums are essential for their well-being.

Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Silver Angelfish require a varied diet to thrive. A high-quality tropical flake or pellet food should form the core of their diet. To ensure they receive all necessary nutrients and to encourage natural behaviors, supplement their diet with a mix of:

• Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp are excellent choices.
• Live Foods: An occasional treat of daphnia or mosquito larvae can be beneficial, especially when conditioning for breeding.
• Vegetable Matter: Spirulina-based flakes or blanched vegetables like spinach can also be offered.

Feed adults once or twice a day, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. For more detailed information, see our Angelfish Feeding Guide.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

Replicating the angelfish’s natural habitat is the key to success. They come from slow-moving, densely planted waters in the Amazon basin.

• Tank Size: Due to their height, a standard 30-gallon high aquarium is the minimum for a pair, but a larger 40-55 gallon tank is recommended for a small community.
• Filtration: A gentle but effective filter, like a canister or hang-on-back filter with an adjustable outflow, is ideal.
• Substrate & Decor: Use a fine, sandy substrate and decorate with driftwood and broadleaf plants like Amazon Swords and Java Fern. These provide security and potential spawning sites.
• Water Parameters: Keep the water warm and slightly acidic. Maintain a stable temperature between 76-86°F (24-30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Temperament and Ideal Tank Mates

While beautiful, angelfish are cichlids and have a semi-aggressive temperament that becomes more pronounced with age and during breeding. Choosing the right tank mates is crucial.

• Compatible Fish: Peaceful, medium-sized fish are the best choice. Good options include Corydoras catfish, larger tetras (Black Skirt, Rummy Nose), Rainbowfish, and Plecos.
• Incompatible Fish: Avoid fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs, which will harass the angelfish. Also, avoid any fish small enough to be eaten, such as Neon Tetras or guppies.

For a complete compatibility chart, read our guide to the Best Angelfish Tank Mates.

How to Breed Silver Angelfish

Breeding Silver Angelfish is a rewarding project. They form monogamous pairs and are dedicated parents.

1. Pairing: The easiest way to get a pair is to raise a group of 6-8 juveniles together and let them pair off naturally.
2. Conditioning: Feed the pair a high-protein diet of live and frozen foods to trigger spawning behavior.
3. Spawning: The pair will choose a vertical surface (a broad plant leaf, a piece of slate, or the filter intake) and meticulously clean it. The female will lay rows of eggs, and the male will follow, fertilizing them.
4. Hatching: The parents will guard the eggs, fanning them with their fins to prevent fungus. The eggs typically hatch in 2-3 days, and the fry will become free-swimming about a week later.

Common Health Issues

Silver Angelfish are hardy, but they can be susceptible to common freshwater ailments, often caused by stress or poor water quality.

• Ich (White Spot Disease): The most common parasite, appearing as small white dots on the fins and body. It’s treatable with medication and by raising the water temperature.
• Fin Rot: A bacterial infection that causes fins to look frayed or ragged. It is almost always a result of poor water conditions.

The best prevention is to maintain pristine water quality through regular water changes and avoid sudden changes in temperature or pH.

Buying Healthy Silver Angelfish

When selecting your Silver Angelfish, the initial choice at the store is the first and most critical step to ensure a long, healthy life for your new pet. Take time to observe the fish in their tank. Healthy angelfish are active, alert, and should be swimming confidently, not hiding in a corner or acting lethargic. Their bodies should be free from any white spots, sores, or blemishes, and their eyes must be clear and bright. Examine their fins; they should be fully extended and intact, without any tears, ragged edges, or signs of fin rot.

A key indicator of good health is a strong feeding response, so if possible, watch them during feeding time to see if they eat eagerly. Avoid fish that have a sunken belly, appear bloated, or exhibit rapid, labored breathing. Once you’ve selected a vibrant and healthy-looking fish, it is always best practice to quarantine them in a separate tank for a few weeks before introducing them to your main aquarium to prevent the spread of any potential diseases.

• Upright posture, intact fins, strong response to food
• Clear eyes, smooth opercula, no flashing or clamped fins
• Quarantine new arrivals 2–4 weeks

This article is part of our larger guide to Angelfish. For more, please see our complete overview of Freshwater Angelfish.