Product Details

Koi Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Koi Angelfish is a striking captive-bred form of the classic freshwater angelfish, selected for koi-like patches of white, orange, gold and black. As a colour strain of Pterophyllum scalare, it combines elegant tall finnage with the intelligent, social behaviour expected from South American cichlids. It is peaceful compared with many cichlids, but still needs a spacious, mature aquarium and carefully chosen tank mates.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Koi Angelfish
Other Names: Koi Angel, Koi Scalare, Marbled Koi Angelfish, Blushing Koi Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid / Angelfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Wild Pterophyllum scalare is native to tropical South America, where angelfish occur in Amazonian river systems, flooded areas and slow-moving waters with dense aquatic and riverbank vegetation. Natural habitats often include submerged roots, branches, plants and quieter margins where the tall body shape helps the fish move between vertical cover.

The Koi Angelfish is a captive-bred aquarium strain, so its koi-like colour pattern is an ornamental trait rather than a wild feature. Aquarium care should still reflect the species’ preference for warm, stable water, vertical cover, shaded areas and calm swimming space.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Koi Angelfish have the classic tall, laterally compressed angelfish body with long triangular dorsal and anal fins. The colour pattern varies between individuals, but usually includes a white, cream or silver base with orange, gold and black marbled patches. Some fish may show stronger orange over the head or back, while others have more black marbling or a paler blushing appearance.

Adults usually reach around 15 cm in body length, with a much greater height when the fins are included. Because of their tall body shape, they need both aquarium length and height, not just volume.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good centrepiece fish for larger peaceful community aquariums, planted South American-style setups and angelfish displays. Koi Angelfish do best in mature aquariums with stable water quality, gentle to moderate filtration, tall plants, wood, open swimming space and areas of cover.

They are not suitable for tiny aquariums, fin-nipping barb communities, aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, very cool-water setups or communities with fish small enough to be eaten.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 180 litres for a pair or small young group, with a tank length of at least 100 cm and a good height recommended. Larger aquariums of 240 litres or more are better for adult groups or mixed community setups.

Young angelfish can be grown on in groups, but mature fish may pair off and become territorial. Keep groups only where the aquarium has enough space and cover, or keep a confirmed pair in a suitable dedicated setup.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred Koi Angelfish are adaptable, but they should still be kept in clean, stable water. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness. Warmer water increases metabolism and lowers oxygen levels, so good filtration, surface movement and regular maintenance are important.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Koi Angelfish are generally peaceful for cichlids, but they are still cichlids and may become territorial when breeding. Suitable tank mates include medium peaceful tetras, larger rasboras, Cory-type catfish in compatible temperatures, bristlenose plecs, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care, gouramis in spacious calm setups and other calm community fish too large to be swallowed.

Avoid Neon Tetras and other very small fish with adult angelfish, as they may be eaten. Also avoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras in unsuitable groups, fin-nipping species, aggressive cichlids, large predators and very boisterous tank mates that may stress or damage their long fins.

Feeding:

Koi Angelfish are easy-feeding omnivores with a carnivorous lean. Offer quality cichlid flakes, soft granules or small pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, mysis, daphnia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and chopped meaty foods. Occasional vegetable-based or spirulina foods can be included for balance.

Feed measured portions that are eaten quickly. Angelfish are eager feeders, but overfeeding can quickly affect water quality in warm aquariums.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually swims through the middle levels of the aquarium, moving calmly between plants, wood and open water. Angelfish are intelligent, responsive fish and may recognise feeding routines. Young fish can be social, but adults often form pairs and defend a chosen area.

Pairs may clean a broad leaf, filter pipe, wood surface or aquarium glass before spawning. Angelfish provide parental care and may guard eggs and fry, although first-time pairs sometimes eat eggs, especially in busy community tanks.

Care Notes:

Add Koi Angelfish only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide height, swimming space and vertical cover such as tall plants or wood. Protect their long fins from nippy tank mates and sharp décor. Maintain regular water changes and stable warm conditions.

Because colour pattern varies heavily in koi strains, individual fish may differ in orange coverage, black marbling, blush intensity and body pattern. This variation is normal and part of the appeal of the strain.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred ornamental colour 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, orange colour, black marbling, white coverage, blush intensity, fin length and markings can occur between individual fish.