Details
Pterophyllum scalare
The freshwater angelfish is an Amazonian cichlid with tall fins and trailing pelvic filaments. Pairs move among vertical branches in flooded forest.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits freshwater forest waters of the Neotropics. Slow flooded forest, roots, wood, and aquatic plants provide structure.
Length 12-15 cm; weight 40 g-90 g. The triangular body is strongly compressed, with long dorsal and anal fins. A silvery body with dark vertical bars blends among branch shadows.
Diurnal, it defends territories as a pair when breeding. The tall body lets it slip quietly between stems and roots.
An omnivore, it eats small fishes, crustaceans, insect larvae, and plant matter. It picks food from midwater and around vegetation.
A pair cleans a leaf or firm surface and lays eggs in rows. Both parents fan and guard eggs and young.
It is listed as Least Concern, though local populations can still be affected by habitat change, collection, or pollution.
