Description

Blue Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

• Common Names: Blue Angel, Blue Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish

• Family: Cichlidae

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Amazon River Basin — found in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, in calm, slow-moving waters.

• Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) in body length; can reach 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) tall including fins.

• Lifespan: 8 – 10 years

• Tank Zone: Mid 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: Tall and triangular with long flowing fins.

• Coloration: Shimmering metallic blue body with subtle black striping; fins may have iridescent highlights.

• Variants: Blue Smokey, Blue Platinum, and Blue Zebra Angelfish.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look similar; males may have slightly larger, broader dorsal fins.

• Behavior: Graceful swimmers, generally peaceful but may become territorial during breeding.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen/live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

• Feeding Frequency: 2 times per day in moderate amounts.

• Tip: Occasional live food enhances their blue coloration and vitality.

🛠️ Maintenance

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

• Filtration: Efficient but with gentle flow.

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel.

• Decor: Tall plants, driftwood, and vertical structures to mimic natural habitat.

• Lighting: Moderate; soft lighting enhances their metallic blue tones.

• Water Change: 25–35% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Semi-peaceful; good community fish with suitable tank mates.

• Tank Mates: Tetras (larger species), Corydoras, Plecos, Gouramis, and peaceful Barbs.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers (like Tiger Barbs) and overly aggressive cichlids.

• Activity: Slow, elegant swimmers that prefer calm environments.

✅ Do’s
• Keep in groups of 4–6 for natural social behavior.
• Maintain stable, warm water conditions.
• Provide vertical decorations for comfort and breeding.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid overcrowding or placing with small fin-nipping fish.
• Don’t keep in strong currents.
• Avoid unstable temperature or pH changes.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Blue Angel is one of the most stunning freshwater angelfish varieties, prized for its shimmering metallic hues and elegant form. It adds grace and beauty to any planted aquarium while remaining hardy and beginner-friendly.