Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
The Marble Angelfish is a classic and highly popular variant of Pterophyllum scalare, known for its bold, irregular patterning and high-contrast coloration. Featuring a striking mix of black, white, and silver marbling, each fish displays a completely unique pattern—no two specimens are ever the same.
This unpredictable, flowing pattern gives the Marble Angelfish a dynamic appearance that shifts as it moves through the water. Combined with the iconic angelfish body shape—tall, laterally compressed with long, elegant fins—it remains a staple centerpiece fish in freshwater aquariums.
Despite their beauty, Marble Angelfish are still cichlids with semi-aggressive tendencies and natural predatory instincts, particularly toward smaller tank mates.
Care & Husbandry
Tank Size:
A minimum of 29 gallons is suitable for a single angelfish, though 40+ gallons is recommended for pairs or community setups. Taller aquariums are preferred to accommodate their vertical growth and finnage.
Diet:
Omnivorous and not picky, but thrives on a varied, protein-rich diet:
- High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes (staple diet)
- Frozen foods such as bloodworms, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp
- Live foods (blackworms, feeder shrimp) for enrichment and conditioning
- Occasional vegetable-based or spirulina foods for balance
Feed 1–2 times daily in moderate portions.
Tank Mates:
Select tank mates carefully due to their temperament:
- Compatible: Larger tetras, gouramis, rainbowfish, Corydoras, plecos, and other semi-peaceful species
- Use Caution: Other angelfish (pairing and territorial behavior may occur), certain barbs depending on temperament
- Avoid: Small fish (neon tetras, guppies), shrimp, and fin-nipping species (tiger barbs, serpae tetras)
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 76–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Maintain clean, stable water with regular water changes
Original: $10.00
-65%$10.00
$3.50
Description
Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
The Marble Angelfish is a classic and highly popular variant of Pterophyllum scalare, known for its bold, irregular patterning and high-contrast coloration. Featuring a striking mix of black, white, and silver marbling, each fish displays a completely unique pattern—no two specimens are ever the same.
This unpredictable, flowing pattern gives the Marble Angelfish a dynamic appearance that shifts as it moves through the water. Combined with the iconic angelfish body shape—tall, laterally compressed with long, elegant fins—it remains a staple centerpiece fish in freshwater aquariums.
Despite their beauty, Marble Angelfish are still cichlids with semi-aggressive tendencies and natural predatory instincts, particularly toward smaller tank mates.
Care & Husbandry
Tank Size:
A minimum of 29 gallons is suitable for a single angelfish, though 40+ gallons is recommended for pairs or community setups. Taller aquariums are preferred to accommodate their vertical growth and finnage.
Diet:
Omnivorous and not picky, but thrives on a varied, protein-rich diet:
- High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes (staple diet)
- Frozen foods such as bloodworms, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp
- Live foods (blackworms, feeder shrimp) for enrichment and conditioning
- Occasional vegetable-based or spirulina foods for balance
Feed 1–2 times daily in moderate portions.
Tank Mates:
Select tank mates carefully due to their temperament:
- Compatible: Larger tetras, gouramis, rainbowfish, Corydoras, plecos, and other semi-peaceful species
- Use Caution: Other angelfish (pairing and territorial behavior may occur), certain barbs depending on temperament
- Avoid: Small fish (neon tetras, guppies), shrimp, and fin-nipping species (tiger barbs, serpae tetras)
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 76–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
- Maintain clean, stable water with regular water changes
