Angelfish
Cichlid; tall tank; may eat very small fish (neons)
Overview
The Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a Freshwater (Tropical) fish growing to about 6 in tall (to 10) and living 10–12 yrs. It's semi-aggressive and best kept in a group. Plan a tank of at least 29–55 gal. With a typical lifespan of around 11 years, it's a medium-length commitment.
Is the Angelfish right for you?
A good match if — you can keep water parameters stable.
Think twice if — you wanted a peaceful community tank.
What an Angelfish needs from you
The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a tropical fish it needs a stable, heated tank. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about 29–55 gal).
Key facts
- Water type
- Freshwater (Tropical)
- Scientific name
- Pterophyllum scalare
- Adult size
- 6 in tall (to 10)
- Life span
- 10–12 yrs
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Social needs
- pair/group
- Min. tank
- 29–55 gal
- Care level
- intermediate
- Notes
- Cichlid; tall tank; may eat very small fish (neons)
What it needs from you (at a glance)
| Space needed | |
| Experience needed | |
| Maintenance | |
| Time per day | |
| Need for company | |
| Handling / closeness | |
| Cost level |
What it costs
Scaled to this breed’s roughly 300 g and a ~11-year life, keeping an Angelfish works out at about:
Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →
Temperament (at a glance)
| Affection | no data yet |
| Energy | no data yet |
| Vocalness | |
| Trainability | no data yet |
| Tolerates alone | no data yet |