Description

Golden Marble Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

• Common Names: Golden Marble Angel, Gold Marble Angelfish, Marbled Gold Angel

• Family: Cichlidae

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Selectively bred from Pterophyllum scalare varieties native to the Amazon River Basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia) — developed to enhance golden coloration over traditional marbled patterns.

• Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) in body length; 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 laterally compressed with long, elegant fins.

• Coloration: A stunning blend of bright gold and white with irregular black marbling across the body and fins. The gold hue deepens with age and high-quality diet.

• Fins: Long, veil-like fins with marbled streaks of gold and black.

• Behavior: Generally peaceful; may become mildly territorial during breeding.

• Unique Feature: Each fish has a unique marbled pattern — no two individuals look the same.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

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

• Feeding Frequency: Twice daily in small amounts.

• Tip: Offer color-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids to intensify the golden hue.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters (30 gallons) for a pair; 200+ liters recommended for groups.

• Filtration: Gentle water flow; efficient filtration system to maintain clean conditions.

• Substrate: Fine sand or rounded gravel.

• Decor: Driftwood, tall plants, and open areas for swimming.

• Lighting: Moderate to bright; enhances gold and marble contrasts.

• Water Change: 25–35% weekly for stable water quality.

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful community fish; social and calm with suitable tank mates.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with Corydoras, peaceful Barbs, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, and medium-sized Tetras.

• Avoid: Fin-nipping fish (like Tiger Barbs) and overly aggressive Cichlids.

• Activity: Graceful swimmer; prefers quiet, planted aquariums.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain warm, soft water for best color and health.
• Provide hiding areas with driftwood and plants.
• Keep in small groups or pairs for natural social behavior.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid aggressive tank mates or strong currents.
• Don’t keep in dirty or unstable water conditions.
• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Golden Marble Angel is a showpiece variety of angelfish, featuring a brilliant golden body streaked with black marble patterns. Its reflective coloration, peaceful nature, and graceful movements make it a perfect centerpiece for planted and community aquariums alike.