Red Devil AngelfishRed Devil Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is an angelfish in which a non-koi base is combined with intense red-orange pigmentation — the entire body or large portions of it take on a deep, burning red-orange coloration with dark markings, creating a fish that lives up to its dramatic name. The elegant tall-bodied profile and long flowing fins of the angelfish make the vivid coloration even more dramatic — the contrast between intense warm tones and the graceful silhouette creates a genuinely spectacular aquarium fish.Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples — crush flakes for juveniles. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites to bring out best color and condition. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp make an excellent treat for adult fish. Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts.Angelfish are tall, laterally compressed fish that need aquarium height as much as length — a minimum of 18 inches of water depth is recommended, and 24 inches is ideal for adults. A planted aquarium with tall plants such as Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, or tall Cryptocorynes provides the cover and vertical structure this species naturally inhabits. Gentle filtration is important — strong currents stress angelfish. Keep with peaceful community fish of similar size; avoid known fin-nippers and do not keep with small fish such as neon tetras that may be eaten as adults.Angelfish are devoted and fascinating parents. Pairs bond for life — presenting a flat, vertical surface such as a broad Amazon Sword leaf, a smooth slate tile, or a piece of PVC pipe triggers spawning. The female lays rows of adhesive eggs which both parents fan and guard obsessively, chasing away all other fish in the aquarium. Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours and the wriggling larvae are typically moved to a pit in the substrate by the parents. Fry become free-swimming after another 5–7 days and can be fed freshly hatched baby brine shrimp. Note that many generations of captive breeding have reduced parental instincts in some strains — if parents eat their eggs, the eggs can be removed and hatched artificially with an airstone.Angelfish are tall, laterally compressed fish that need aquarium height as much as length — a minimum of 18 inches of water depth is recommended, and 24 inches is ideal for adults. A planted aquarium with tall plants such as Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, or tall Cryptocorynes provides the cover and vertical structure this species naturally inhabits. Gentle filtration is important — strong currents stress angelfish. Keep with peaceful community fish of similar size; avoid known fin-nippers and do not keep with small fish such as neon tetras that may be eaten as adults.Care & Ideal Parameters Difficulty Easy Temperament Peaceful — semi-aggressive when breeding Typical Adult Size 6 inches body / up to 10 inches tall including fins Min. Group Size 4–6 minimum as juveniles; pairs as adults Ideal Temp 75–86°F (24–30°C) Ideal pH 6.0–7.5 Ideal GH 3–15 dGH Ideal KH 1–8 dKH Staple Food Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes; Hikari Micro Pellets Treat / Supplement Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Vibra Bites; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp (adults) Origin Amazon basin (captive-bred color strain) Notes Intense red-orange body coloration — deep, vivid red. One of the most intensely colored angelfish. Color fades in hard or alkaline water.
