The golden angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, earns its name from the striking yellow-orange hue covering its body. Selectively bred color varieties of this iconic tropical fish feature metallic scales ranging from bright gold to deep orange.
Introducing the Golden Angelfish
Angelfish have a unique shape, with tall, laterally compressed bodies and long dorsal and anal fins. The golden morph displays vibrant golden-orange coloration all over. Other notable varieties include the marble, silver, and albino golden angelfish. Their elegant appearance makes them a mainstay of community aquariums.
General Information
- Origin: Golden angelfish originate from South America, especially the Amazon River basin in Peru and Brazil. Wild specimens have silver bodies with black vertical stripes.
- Size: Golden angelfish reach 6-8 inches long at maturity. Their bodies are tall and flat like a disc. Selectively bred varieties grow larger than wild fish.
- Lifespan: In home aquariums, golden angelfish typically live 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance.
- Temperament: Golden angelfish have a generally peaceful temperament, though they can be territorial towards other angelfish. They may eat much smaller fish.
- Appearance: Golden angelfish have a tall, laterally compressed oval body. Their most distinctive feature is their vibrant metallic orange-gold coloration covering the head, body, and fins. Long, flowing dorsal and anal fins complete their angelic appearance.
- Varieties: Popular color morphs include solid golden, marble, zebra, albino, lemon, and orange. Gold blushing and black lace variants also exist.
- Price: Golden angelfish cost $10-$30 depending on age, size, color patterns, and fins. Show quality specimens can cost up to $50-$100.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Golden angelfish inhabit slow-moving tributaries, oxbow lakes, and flooded forests of the Amazon River system. They prefer warm, slightly acidic waters with vegetation.
- Tank Size: A minimum 30 gallon tank is recommended. For a pair, provide at least 55 gallons. The larger the tank, the better.
- Water Parameters: Ideal water temperature is 76-84°F and pH between 6.0-7.0. General hardness should be 5-13 dGH.
- Tank Setup: Planted aquariums with driftwood and dim lighting replicate their natural biotope. Provide ample open swimming space.
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivores accepting a variety of foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and high quality flakes/pellets. Offer vegetable matter for fibre.
- Feeding Habits: Angelfish are aggressive feeders, consuming prey from all levels of the tank. Feed 2-3 times daily in the amounts they can completely finish within 2 minutes.
- Suitable Foods: Frozen/live food like brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp along with high protein pellets, flakes, veggies.
Breeding
- Reproduction: Angelfish form monogamous pairs and exhibit courtship behaviors like chasing and nipping. They are substrate spawners.
- Breeding Requirements: Trigger spawning by performing large water changes and feeding high protein foods. Provide vertically oriented spawning surfaces.
- Spawning Process: The female lays hundreds of eggs on the spawning site which the male then fertilizes. Parents guard the eggs and fry, with the male providing most of the care.
Common Health Issues
Angelfish are prone to parasitic infections like ich, velvet, and intestinal worms. Bacterial diseases like columnaris and fin/tail rot can also occur in unclean water. Maintain excellent water quality and varied diet for disease prevention. Use quarantine and appropriate treatments as needed.
Preventative measures include pristine tank conditions, high-quality varied diet, observation of fish behavior and appearance, and quarantine for new fish. Consult an exotic pet veterinarian about any persistent or worsening health issues.
Special Considerations
- Compatibility: Avoid fin-nipping species that may bully the long fins of angelfish. Larger aggressive fish may prey on them. Good tankmates include similar-sized tetras, rasboras, barbs, danios, and catfish.
- Special Instructions: Perform regular partial water changes and monitor water parameters closely. Soften water and lower pH to mimic their natural habitat.
- Legal Restrictions: None. Golden angelfish are very common in the aquarium trade.
Compatible Golden Angelfish Tankmates
- Other angelfish
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Plecos
Differences Between Male & Female Golden Angelfish
Males are larger in size and develop a nuchal hump on the forehead once mature. Females have a rounder, smoother forehead. Males also display more intense golden coloration while females are often more silver with minimal gold tones. Pairs exhibit courtship behaviors and synchronized movements.
“How many species of angelfish freshwater?”
There is only one species, Pterophyllum scalare. The many color varieties are selectively bred mutations.
“How to feed angelfish to make their color brighter?”
Feed foods high in carotenoids like shrimp, seaweed, spirulina, and color enhancing pellets to intensify yellow/orange tones.
“How Big do angelfish Grow?”
Golden angelfish reach 6-8 inches long in home aquariums. Selectively bred lines can grow over 10 inches.
“How fast do Golden angelfish grow?”
With optimal conditions, golden angelfish grow to full size within 10-14 months. Growth slows after 1 year.
“How long do Golden angelfish live?”
The average lifespan is 10-15 years with proper care and tank maintenance. Some may live up to 20 years.
“How to take care of Golden angelfish?”
Perform regular water changes, feed a varied diet, maintain warm, soft, acidic water, provide plants/decor for hiding, use gentle lighting.
“Which food products are the best for Golden angelfish?”
Hikari, Omega One, New Life Spectrum, and Cobalt Aquatics angelfish formulas offer balanced nutrition.
“Is good to keep Golden angelfish as Pets?”
Yes, the golden angelfish’s captivating colors, graceful movements, and long flowing fins make it an exceptional aquarium centerpiece.
“Why my Golden angelfish die?”
Common causes include improper water conditions, malnutrition, bullying tankmates, infections, and stress. Address issues promptly and separate sick fish.
“Are Golden angelfish Aggressive?”
Golden angelfish are generally peaceful but can become aggressive towards other angelfish, especially during spawning. Manage this by providing ample space.
“Do Golden angelfish kill other fish?”
Healthy golden angelfish rarely kill tankmates, though they may eat very small fish. Sick or stressed angelfish can show atypical aggression. Ensure proper care and tank compatibility.
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