Description

Koi Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

• Common Names: Koi Angelfish, Tricolor Angel, Orange Marble Angel

• Family: Cichlidae

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Captive-bred variant of Pterophyllum scalare from the Amazon River Basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia)

• Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) body length; 25 cm (10 inches) tall including 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: Elegant triangular shape with long flowing fins.

• Coloration: Beautiful white or silvery base body adorned with vibrant orange or red patches on the head and upper body, along with irregular black marbling on the body and fins.

• Fins: Long and graceful, often tipped with black or orange highlights.

• Eyes: Usually red or bright orange, enhancing the contrast.

• Behavior: Calm, social, and graceful swimmer; can show mild territorial behavior during breeding.

• Unique Feature: The name “Koi” comes from its color resemblance to Koi carp, with the combination of white, orange, and black markings.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality flakes, color-enhancing pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

• Feeding Frequency: Twice daily in small portions.

• Tip: Foods rich in carotenoids (like krill or spirulina) enhance the orange coloration.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

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

• Filtration: Gentle flow with strong biological filtration.

• Substrate: Smooth sand or fine gravel.

• Decor: Planted aquariums with tall plants, driftwood, and open swimming spaces.

• Lighting: Moderate to bright — highlights the orange and black patterns beautifully.

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

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful community fish; territorial when breeding.

• Tank Mates: Works well with Corydoras, Rainbowfish, Mollies, Gouramis, and peaceful Barbs and Tetras.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers or aggressive Cichlids.

• Breeding: Forms pairs; lays eggs on vertical surfaces such as plant leaves or glass.

✅ Do’s
• Keep in warm, stable water conditions.
• Provide balanced diet with both plant and protein food.
• Maintain low to moderate lighting for natural color display.

❌ Don’ts
• Don’t keep with aggressive or fast-moving fish.
• Avoid overfeeding or poor water quality.
• Don’t keep in small or unfiltered tanks.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Koi Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most colorful and sought-after angelfish varieties. Its vivid orange, white, and black pattern gives it a stunning, artistic appearance reminiscent of Koi carp — making it a centerpiece fish in any aquarium setup.