Product Details

Leopard Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Leopard Angelfish is a striking captive-bred form of the classic freshwater angelfish, recognised for its broken dark spotting and leopard-like pattern across the body and fins. Correctly listed as Pterophyllum scalare, this elegant South American cichlid is peaceful compared with many cichlids, but it still needs space, height, stable warm water and carefully chosen tank mates. It is best suited to mature planted tropical aquariums rather than small or overly busy community setups.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Leopard Angelfish
Other Names: Leopard Angel, Spotted Angelfish, Leopard Freshwater Angelfish, Leopard Scalare
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Pterophyllum scalare is native to South America, where wild angelfish are associated with slow-moving waters, flooded areas, swamps and river margins with dense aquatic or riverbank vegetation.

The Leopard Angelfish is a captive-bred aquarium strain rather than a wild locality form. In the aquarium, it does best in a mature setup with tall plants, vertical wood, shaded areas and open swimming space. A planted layout helps reduce stress and gives angelfish natural cover while still leaving room for their tall fins.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Leopard Angelfish have the tall, laterally compressed body shape typical of freshwater angelfish, with extended dorsal and anal fins and long trailing ventral fins. Their pattern usually includes dark spots, broken patches, speckling or marbling over a lighter base colour. Some individuals may show stronger spotting, while others have more smoky, silver or marbled markings.

Adults usually reach around 12–15 cm in body length, but their full height can be much greater when the fins are included. For this reason, aquarium height is especially important. Mature fish develop a deeper body and more impressive fin spread than juveniles.

Aquarium Suitability:

This strain is well suited to mature planted tropical aquariums, peaceful South American-style communities and angelfish displays. It needs warm, stable water, enough vertical space and tank mates that are neither tiny nor aggressive.

Leopard Angelfish are not suitable for small nano aquariums, fin-nipping communities, predator tanks, very boisterous fish setups or aquariums containing very small fish that may be eaten as the angelfish matures.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 180 litres for a pair or small young group, with a tank length of at least 90–100 cm recommended. A taller aquarium of at least 45–50 cm water height is preferred so the fins can develop naturally.

Young angelfish can be grown in a small group, but adults often pair off and become territorial. Long-term stocking should allow space for pairs to form and for weaker fish to avoid dominant individuals.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred Leopard Angelfish are adaptable, but they still do best in clean, stable, warm water. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness. Good filtration, regular water changes and low stress are important for fin condition, pattern quality and long-term health.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Leopard Angelfish are generally peaceful for a cichlid, but they can become territorial once mature or when breeding. Suitable tank mates include medium peaceful tetras, deeper-bodied rasboras, Cory-type catfish in compatible temperatures, bristlenose plecs, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care, larger livebearers in suitable water and other calm community fish too large to be swallowed.

Avoid Neon Tetras, tiny rasboras, small shrimp, guppy fry and other very small tank mates, as adult angelfish may view them as food. Also avoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras and other persistent fin-nippers, as they may damage the angelfish’s long fins.

Feeding:

Leopard Angelfish are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality cichlid flakes, soft granules, slow-sinking pellets and varied frozen foods as the staple diet. Good additions include bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis, daphnia, mosquito larvae and finely chopped seafood.

Include some vegetable matter through spirulina flakes, algae-based foods or quality prepared diets. Feed sensible portions and avoid overfeeding, as angelfish are eager feeders and poor water quality can quickly affect fin and body condition.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

Angelfish are graceful midwater swimmers that move between plants, wood and open areas. Young fish are often social, while adults may form pairs and defend a chosen area. Breeding pairs can become more territorial and may chase tank mates away from eggs or fry.

They are substrate or surface spawners, often laying eggs on broad leaves, filter pipes, wood, glass or other vertical surfaces. Parents may guard the eggs, though inexperienced pairs often eat early spawns.

Care Notes:

Add Leopard Angelfish only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide tall plants, vertical wood, shaded retreats and open swimming space. Avoid sharp décor that may tear fins, and avoid cramped tanks that force constant conflict between adults.

Because this is a selectively bred leopard-pattern strain, spotting and pattern coverage can vary greatly between individuals. Some fish may show bold dark speckling, while others may have softer smoky or marbled markings. This natural variation is part of the appeal of the strain.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / Captive-bred pattern 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, leopard spotting, dark pattern coverage, base colour, fin length, body shape, sex, age and markings can occur between individual fish.