Product Details

Albino Red Cap Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Albino Red Cap Angelfish is a striking selectively bred form of the freshwater angelfish, combining a pale albino body with warm orange to red colouration over the head and upper body. This variety of Pterophyllum scalare is a graceful centrepiece fish for a mature tropical aquarium, especially where its bright colour can stand out against plants, wood and darker backgrounds. Like all angelfish, it is peaceful with the right companions but still has typical cichlid instincts, so tank size, stability and careful tank mate selection are important.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Albino Red Cap Angelfish
Other Names: Red Cap Angelfish, Albino Koi Angelfish, Red Head Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish, Angel Fish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Albino Red Cap Angelfish is a captive-bred colour strain, so this exact albino and red-cap pattern does not occur naturally in the wild. The wild species, Pterophyllum scalare, is native to South America, including parts of Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana and Peru. In nature, freshwater angelfish inhabit quiet swamps and flooded areas with dense aquatic and riverbank vegetation, where their tall body shape helps them move between roots, stems and plants. FishBase lists P. scalare as a freshwater, benthopelagic cichlid from tropical South America.

Appearance & Adult Size:

This strain has the classic tall, laterally compressed angelfish shape with long dorsal and anal fins. The albino base colour is usually white, cream or pale gold, with pinkish eyes and little to no dark pigment. The “red cap” develops as orange, copper or red colour over the head, shoulder and upper back, although the intensity varies between individual fish and may become stronger with maturity. Adults usually reach around 12–15 cm in body length, but their height with fins can be much greater, so aquarium depth is essential. FishBase lists P. scalare at up to around 15 cm total length.

Aquarium Suitability:

Albino Red Cap Angelfish are best suited to a calm, mature tropical community aquarium or planted display. They work well as a centrepiece species in tanks with tall plants, bogwood, roots, shaded areas and open swimming space. They are not suitable for nano aquariums, rough cichlid communities, fin-nipping setups or tanks containing very small fish that may eventually be eaten.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 160–180 litres for a pair or a small group of juveniles, with a tank height of at least 45–50 cm recommended for adult fish. Larger aquariums are better for groups, as adults may form pairs and defend breeding territories. FishBase gives a minimum aquarium length of around 100 cm, while Seriously Fish recommends a tank at least 50 cm tall for adult angelfish.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred angelfish are adaptable, but they still need stable, clean water and a properly cycled aquarium. Gentle to moderate filtration is ideal, with regular water changes and no sudden swings in temperature or pH. FishBase gives a broad range of 24–30°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and hardness 5–13 dH, while UK aquarium guidance notes that captive-bred specimens can acclimatise to a wider range than wild fish.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Albino Red Cap Angelfish are generally peaceful for a cichlid, but they can become territorial once mature, especially when a pair forms. Suitable tank mates include larger peaceful tetras, medium rasboras, Corydoras, bristlenose plecs, peaceful gouramis, calm livebearers in compatible water and dwarf cichlids in spacious aquariums.

Avoid fin-nipping fish such as Tiger Barbs, very boisterous barbs, aggressive cichlids and tiny fish such as fry or very small tetras. Juveniles can be grown on in groups, but adults may need more space or separation if breeding pairs become dominant.

Feeding:

Albino Red Cap Angelfish are omnivorous and usually feed readily once settled. Offer quality tropical flakes, soft granules and small cichlid pellets, supported with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mysis and mosquito larvae. A small amount of vegetable or spirulina-based food can also be included. Feed controlled portions once or twice daily, as angelfish can be eager feeders.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This fish usually occupies the middle levels of the aquarium, gliding between plants and décor rather than constantly racing around. Once settled, it often becomes confident and responsive at feeding time. Mature pairs may clean a broad leaf, slate, wood or filter pipe as a spawning site and defend the surrounding area.

Care Notes:

Keep in a mature, cycled aquarium with stable warm water and good filtration. Provide enough height for natural fin development, and avoid sharp rocks or rough décor that may damage the fins. Do not mix with known fin-nippers or fish small enough to be swallowed. Albino forms may show best against shaded planting and darker décor, but they should still have open swimming areas and low-stress tank mates.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.