Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Size: About 15 cm.
Lifespan: 10-12 years.
Food: Small fish and larvae.
Unusual body shape
The angelfish’s body shape is unlike that of many other fish. Angelfish have long fins and a flat body which is higher than it is long.
Lives in pairs
In the wild the young fish live together in large shoals. When they become adults they often live in pairs.
Photo: Jesper-Flygare-Malmö-Museer
Eggs from angelfish.
Photo: Brandon-Heyer-CC-BY-NC-SA
Larvae from angelfish.
Photo: Sychriscar-CC-BY-SA
Aquarium fish
The angelfish is a popular aquarium fish. Wild angelfish are grey with black vertical stripes.
Humans have bred angelfish to give them everything from a yellow colour to speckles to fish with feathery fins.
Distribution worldwide
South America,
the central Amazon
region with tributaries
all the way
to Peru
and Ecuador.
White marking = Distribution
Threat based on the Red List
Trade regulations
CITES: Not listed.