Classic, boldly striped, and timelessly beautiful — the Zebra Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most popular and recognizable fancy angelfish varieties in the hobby. With its multiple bold vertical stripes running across the body — more stripes than the standard wild-type angelfish — the Zebra Angel has a dramatic, graphic appearance that makes it a perennial favourite among angelfish enthusiasts. Overview Attribute Details Common Name Zebra Angelfish Scientific Name Pterophyllum scalare Origin Selectively bred fancy variety Adult Size 6 inches body length; up to 12 inches tall including fins Lifespan 8 – 12 years Difficulty Beginner – Intermediate Temperament Semi-aggressive; peaceful with similarly sized fish Appearance The Zebra Angelfish displays multiple bold dark vertical stripes running across a silver to pale body — typically 4 or more stripes compared to the 3 stripes of the standard wild-type angelfish. The additional stripes create a denser, more dramatic striped pattern that gives this variety its zebra-like appearance. The bold, graphic striping and the tall, flowing fins of the angelfish combine to create a fish of striking visual impact and classic elegance. Water Parameters & Tank Setup Temperature: 75 – 84°F (24 – 29°C) pH: 6.0 – 7.5 General Hardness (GH): 3 – 10 dGH Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a pair; 55+ gallons for a group Substrate: Dark substrate makes the zebra stripes pop Plants & Decor: Tall plants, driftwood, and open swimming space Diet & Feeding Staple: High-quality flake food, pellets, and angelfish-specific foods Treats: Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small feeder insects Feed 2–3 times daily. Compatibility & Tank Mates Best kept with similarly sized, peaceful fish. Good tank mates include larger tetras, Corydoras, gouramis, and peaceful cichlids. Avoid very small fish and aggressive fin-nippers. Breeding Angelfish are open spawners and breed readily in captivity. Pairs form strong bonds and spawn on broad plant leaves or flat surfaces. Eggs hatch in 48–60 hours and fry become free-swimming within a week. The Zebra Angelfish is a boldly striped classic that brings graphic elegance and timeless beauty to any aquarium. A perennial favourite for angelfish enthusiasts of all levels.
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