Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) The Marble Angelfish is a striking ornamental strain of the freshwater angelfish, valued for its marbled black, silver and white patterning and its graceful, laterally compressed body shape. Like other captive-bred angelfish varieties, it belongs to Pterophyllum scalare and is generally more adaptable to aquarium life than wild fish. In the aquarium it makes an elegant centrepiece for a warm, well-planted tropical setup, provided it is given enough vertical space and appropriately sized tankmates. Common Name:Marble Angelfish. This is a captive-bred ornamental angelfish strain. Scientific Name (Latin):Pterophyllum scalare Maximum Size:Up to 15 cm in body length, although the total height appears greater once the dorsal and anal fins are fully developed. Water Type:Freshwater. Origin / Natural Habitat:This variety is captive-bred, but the species naturally occurs across the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, along with connected river systems in northern South America. Wild fish inhabit slow-moving floodplain waters, swamps and heavily vegetated margins. Water Parameters:Temperature: 24–30°CpH Range: 6.0–7.5Hardness: 0–15°H Temperament:Generally peaceful to semi-aggressive. Marble Angelfish are usually suitable for larger community aquaria, but they can become territorial when breeding and may eat very small fish if given the chance. Diet:Omnivorous. They readily accept prepared foods such as flakes and granules, but benefit from regular supplementation with frozen or live foods to maintain condition and colour. Minimum Tank Size:A practical long-term recommendation for a group is at least 120 × 40 × 50 cm, with a tall aquarium especially important because of the species’ body shape and finnage. Behaviour & Activity:Angelfish are graceful mid-water cichlids that appreciate vertical space, planted cover and open swimming areas. They are pair-forming fish, and once mature they may spawn on vertical surfaces such as leaves, slate or aquarium décor. Special Requirements or Care Notes:This variety does best in a mature, well-filtered aquarium with calm flow, warm water and plenty of vertical décor such as tall plants, wood or slate. Because this is a long-finned ornamental strain, avoid obvious fin-nippers and do not overcrowd the tank. Captive-bred angelfish are generally more tolerant of aquarium conditions than their wild ancestors. Suitable for:Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers. Captive-bred angelfish are widely regarded as easier to keep than wild fish, but their adult size, breeding behaviour and need for a tall aquarium still make good setup planning important. Availability:Regular in trade. Captive-bred angelfish varieties are commonly sold and remain one of the most established freshwater aquarium fish groups. All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
