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Pterophyllum Scalare - Marble Angel
The Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a powerhouse addition to any large community or planted aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a striking, laterally compressed silhouette adorned with a bold, high-contrast mosaic of jet-black, shimmering silver, and occasional marbled gold patches, this elegant cichlid is a master of the "showpiece centerpiece" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the mid-water column. It is a dedicated and graceful inhabitant, making it a functional cornerstone of a premium freshwater ecosystem.
This hardy angelfish thrives in established systems with tall plants (such as Amazon Swords), smooth driftwood branches, and gentle to moderate water flow. While generally peaceful and ideal for community setups with larger tankmates, its bold personality and predatory instincts mean small nano fish or shrimp should be avoided, as it will tirelessly hunt micro-fauna. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet of high-quality flakes, cichlid pellets, and regular treats of frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or Mysis. Ensure your aquarium features a tall tank design, as this architecture is essential for accommodating its tall profile and full fin development.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (peaceful, but territorial during spawning)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons (Tall preferred)
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 6 Inches (Up to 8+ inches tall with fins)
Water Conditions: 75 to 84°F, KH 2 to 10, pH 6.0 to 7.5
Husbandry Notes
The Marble Angelfish is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "dramatic high-contrast patterns" and majestic, sweeping movement. Its specialized, high-contrast genetic patterning adds a layer of bold graphic texture to the aquarium that beautifully contrasts against lush green foliage or light hardscape elements. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, it is widely considered an essential "classical centerpiece" for adding both sophisticated structure and dynamic visual variety to large displays. For maximum success, keep them individually, as a mated pair, or in groups of six or more to diffuse natural cichlid hierarchy and facilitate their inherent social confidence.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these majestic fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a powerhouse addition to any large community or planted aquarium, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a striking, laterally compressed silhouette adorned with a bold, high-contrast mosaic of jet-black, shimmering silver, and occasional marbled gold patches, this elegant cichlid is a master of the "showpiece centerpiece" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological focal point for the mid-water column. It is a dedicated and graceful inhabitant, making it a functional cornerstone of a premium freshwater ecosystem.
This hardy angelfish thrives in established systems with tall plants (such as Amazon Swords), smooth driftwood branches, and gentle to moderate water flow. While generally peaceful and ideal for community setups with larger tankmates, its bold personality and predatory instincts mean small nano fish or shrimp should be avoided, as it will tirelessly hunt micro-fauna. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet of high-quality flakes, cichlid pellets, and regular treats of frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, or Mysis. Ensure your aquarium features a tall tank design, as this architecture is essential for accommodating its tall profile and full fin development.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (peaceful, but territorial during spawning)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons (Tall preferred)
Diet: Omnivore
Plant Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 6 Inches (Up to 8+ inches tall with fins)
Water Conditions: 75 to 84°F, KH 2 to 10, pH 6.0 to 7.5
Husbandry Notes
The Marble Angelfish is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "dramatic high-contrast patterns" and majestic, sweeping movement. Its specialized, high-contrast genetic patterning adds a layer of bold graphic texture to the aquarium that beautifully contrasts against lush green foliage or light hardscape elements. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, it is widely considered an essential "classical centerpiece" for adding both sophisticated structure and dynamic visual variety to large displays. For maximum success, keep them individually, as a mated pair, or in groups of six or more to diffuse natural cichlid hierarchy and facilitate their inherent social confidence.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your premium livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these majestic fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
