Description

Koi Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

The Ultimate Freshwater Showpiece for Planted Community Aquariums

If you are looking to create a commanding focal point in your freshwater aquarium, the Koi Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) delivers unmatched elegance. Domesticated and selectively bred for decades to emphasize its radiant orange crowns and marbled body patches, this cichlid variety offers all the grandeur of a marine specimen within a freshwater environment.

Key Care & Behavior Highlights

1. Striking Visual Appeal & Unique Patterns

No two Koi Angelfish are ever identical. As young juveniles mature into adults, their orange and red pigmentation often expands, deepening into rich, intense shades across their heads and backs. Set against deep green aquatic plants and dark substrates, their white and orange tones create an extraordinary visual contrast.

2. Ideal Habitat & Aquascaping Design

Because Angelfish have tall, laterally compressed bodies and extended pelvic fins, they require aquariums with plenty of vertical swimming space. Tall background plants like Amazon Swords (Echinodorus), Vallisneria, and vertical driftwood structures mimic their natural South American river basin habitats, providing shaded areas where they feel secure and relaxed.

3. Community Compatibility & Tank Mates

Koi Angelfish are generally peaceful semi-gregarious cichlids that do best in pairs or small shoals when young. They cohabit well with medium-sized peaceful community fish such as larger tetras (e.g., Bleeding Heart, Lemon, or Rummynose), Gouramis, Corydoras, and Plecos. Note: Avoid keeping them with small micro-fish (like tiny neon tetras or micro-rasboras) or dwarf shrimp, as adult angelfish may view them as natural snacks.

4. Easy Feeding & Nutrition

These omnivorous cichlids are enthusiastic surface and mid-water feeders. Supply them with a high-quality staple diet of tropical flakes or sinking granules formulated for cichlids. To boost their vibrant orange-red pigmentation and encourage health, supplement regularly with frozen or live protein treats such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis.

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare var. “Koi”

• Adult Size: 10 cm – 15 cm length (4 in – 6 in), 15 cm – 20 cm height (6 in – 8 in)

• Minimum Tank Size: 115 L (30 gal) for a pair; 200 L+ (55 gal+) for a small group

• Water Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)

• pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral water)

• Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore (flakes, pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp)

• Temperament: Semi-peaceful community cichlid

Acclimation & Care Tips

1. Vertical Tank Depth: Choose an aquarium with a height of at least 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 inches) to prevent their long dorsal and ventral fins from brushing against the substrate.

2. Slow Drip Acclimation: Drip acclimate your Koi Angelfish over 45 to 60 minutes to smoothly transition them to your aquarium’s pH and temperature.

3. Gentle Water Flow: Angelfish prefer calm, moderate water movement over strong currents, allowing them to swim gracefully without strain.