Description
Red Devil Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Common Names: Red Devil Angelfish, Super Red Angel, Red Blushing Angel
Family: Cichlidae
Order: Cichliformes
Origin: Captive-bred color morph of Pterophyllum scalare — originally from the Amazon River Basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia)
Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) body length; up to 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, disc-shaped body with long flowing fins.
Coloration: Vibrant solid red to orange-red body, often deepening in intensity with age and diet. Some individuals may display lighter shading around the fins or gills.
Fins: Transparent or slightly reddish with long extensions.
Eyes: Bright red or orange, enhancing the “devil red” appearance.
Behavior: Peaceful and calm; may become territorial during breeding.
Unique Feature: Selectively bred for its intense red pigmentation, making it one of the most striking and eye-catching angelfish varieties.
🍽️ Diet
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: High-quality flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and spirulina-based foods.
Feeding Frequency: Twice daily in moderate portions.
Tip: Feed color-enhancing foods (like carotenoid-rich pellets or krill) to maintain and deepen red coloration.
🛠️ Tank Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters (30 gallons) for a pair; 200 liters+ for communities.
Filtration: Gentle flow with efficient biological filtration.
Substrate: Smooth sand or fine gravel.
Decor: Driftwood, tall plants, and open areas for swimming.
Lighting: Moderate to bright lighting to bring out vivid red hues.
Water Change: 25–35% weekly to keep water parameters stable.
👥 Social Behavior
Nature: Peaceful and social, though territorial when spawning.
Tank Mates: Compatible with peaceful species like Corydoras, Tetras, Mollies, Gouramis, and Rainbowfish.
Avoid: Fin-nippers (like Tiger Barbs) or aggressive Cichlids.
Breeding: Pairs form naturally; eggs are laid on flat vertical surfaces like leaves or aquarium glass.
✅ Do’s
• Keep in a well-planted tank with calm flow.
• Feed a varied, color-rich diet.
• Maintain warm, clean, and stable water.
❌ Don’ts
• Don’t house with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
• Avoid cold or fluctuating temperatures.
• Don’t keep in overcrowded setups.
⭐ Quick Tip:
The Red Devil Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is prized for its brilliant red coloration and regal elegance. Its fiery tone and graceful movements make it a centerpiece species in any aquarium, ideal for aquarists seeking both beauty and calm behavior in a single fish.
