Description

Smoky Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

• Common Names: Smoky Angelfish, Smoke Angel, Dark Marble Angel

• Family: Cichlidae

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Amazon River Basin — primarily Peru, Brazil, and Colombia

• Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) body length; 25 cm (10 inches) tall with fins

• Lifespan: 8 – 10 years

• Tank Zone: Middle to upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 25 – 29°C (77 – 84°F)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH

• TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

• Body Shape: Classic tall, triangular body typical of angelfish.

• Coloration: Silvery-gray base with a smoky, dark shading spreading over the rear half of the body and fins.

• Fins: Long and flowing, with a translucent gray-to-black gradient.

• Behavior: Calm and elegant swimmer; territorial only during spawning.

• Unique Feature: The dark “smoky” pattern is a partial black gene expression, creating a smooth fade instead of sharp stripes — giving a misty, shadow-like effect.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flake foods, pellets, and frozen items such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

• Feeding Frequency: Twice daily in moderate portions.

• Tip: Occasional live or frozen protein foods enhance color depth and growth.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters (30 gallons) for a pair; larger tanks preferred for groups.

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate water flow; efficient filtration system.

• Substrate: Smooth gravel or fine sand.

• Decor: Tall plants, driftwood, and vertical structures.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting — enhances the smoky contrast without glare.

• Water Change: 25–35% weekly to maintain excellent water quality.

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful and community-friendly; semi-territorial during breeding.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with Corydoras, Gouramis, Tetras, Barbs (non-nipping types), and peaceful Cichlids.

• Avoid: Aggressive species or those that nip fins.

• Breeding: Forms strong pairs; lays eggs on flat or vertical surfaces like leaves or glass.

✅ Do’s
• Keep in well-planted aquariums.
• Maintain soft, slightly acidic water.
• Provide open swimming areas and tall decor.

❌ Don’ts
• Don’t mix with aggressive or fast-moving fish.
• Avoid sudden parameter changes.
• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Smoky Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is admired for its elegant, misty black shading that blends beautifully with planted aquarium backgrounds. Its graceful fins and subtle contrast make it a calm and eye-catching centerpiece for peaceful community tanks.