Pterophyllum scalare
Common aquarium angelfish. 5-6 inches body, 8 inches with fins.
Hardy, breeds easily, available in dozens of color varieties.
Pterophyllum altum (Altum Angel)
The "true altum" — taller, longer, larger than scalare. 9-10 inches body, 14+ inches with fins.
Wild-only generally. Soft water (pH 4.5-5.5) requirement makes them difficult.
Pterophyllum leopoldi (Dwarf Angel)
Smaller species, 4-5 inches body. Less common in trade.
Tank-bred specimens are easier than altum but pickier than scalare.
Color Varieties (scalare)
Silver (wild type), Gold, Black, Marble, Koi, Pearlscale, Albino. Many veiltail and longfin variations.
Pick by color preference. All are equally hardy.
- ✦Avoid bare angelfish without striped patterns — often weakened by aggressive line breeding
- ✦Tank-bred altum hybrids exist — verify pure species before paying premium
- ✦Group of 6+ for natural social behavior