Tricolour Angelfish

The tricolour angelfish is a marked strain of Pterophyllum scalare, the freshwater angelfish of the Amazon basin, patterned in orange, black and white in combinations that differ from fish to fish. Angelfish are tall, laterally flattened cichlids that hang almost vertically among plants and wood, and their body shape dictates the tank they need: height matters at least as much as length.

Aquarium care

• Adults grow tall, commonly 15 cm or more from dorsal to anal fin tip.
• Needs a deep aquarium with vertical structure such as tall plants or wood.
• Prefers warm, soft to moderately hard water with gentle flow.
• A cichlid — it will eat small fish such as neon tetras and will take dwarf shrimp.
• Grow a group of young together and let pairs form; a settled pair becomes territorial.
• Takes flake, pellets and frozen foods readily.

Good tankmates include larger tetras, rasboras, corydoras, bristlenose plecos and other calm medium-sized fish. Avoid fin-nippers such as tiger barbs, and avoid very small fish that fit in an angelfish's mouth. Two established pairs in a small tank is a recipe for constant fighting.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is available for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the angelfish collection.