Product Details

Marble Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Marble Angelfish is a classic captive-bred variety of freshwater angelfish, admired for its bold mix of silver, white, grey and black marbled patterning. Each fish is slightly different, giving this strain a natural, individual look while still keeping the elegant tall body shape associated with Pterophyllum scalare. It makes a superb centrepiece fish for a mature tropical aquarium, particularly where there is height, planting and calm tank mates that will not nip its fins.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Marble Angelfish
Other Names: Marbled Angelfish, Marble Angel, Freshwater Angelfish, Angel Fish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Marble Angelfish is a captive-bred ornamental strain, so this exact marbled form is produced through aquarium breeding rather than collected from the wild. The wild species, Pterophyllum scalare, is native to South America, including parts of the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, as well as river systems in French Guiana and Guyana. Wild angelfish are associated with quiet, sheltered waters such as flooded areas and swamps where vegetation is dense.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Marble Angelfish have a deep, laterally compressed body with long dorsal and anal fins, giving them their distinctive upright “sail-like” profile. Their colour pattern is made up of irregular dark marbling over a pale silver, white or grey base, and no two individuals are exactly alike. Adults usually reach around 15 cm in length, but their total height can be much greater once the fins are included, so tank depth is an important part of long-term care.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good centrepiece cichlid for a peaceful, mature tropical community aquarium. Marble Angelfish suit planted tanks, Amazon-style aquariums and mixed community setups with calm, medium-sized fish. They are not suitable for nano aquariums, very small tank mates, fin-nipping species or aggressive cichlid communities. A layout with tall plants, wood, shaded areas and open swimming space will help them settle and show natural behaviour.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 160–180 litres for a pair or small group of young fish, with a tank at least 45–50 cm tall recommended for adults. Larger aquariums are best when keeping a group, as mature fish may pair off and defend chosen territories. Seriously Fish specifically recommends a tall aquarium of at least 50 cm for adult angelfish, while FishBase lists a 100 cm minimum aquarium length for the species.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred angelfish are generally more adaptable than wild fish, but they still need stable, clean water and a properly cycled aquarium. Use gentle to moderate filtration, avoid strong blasting flow and maintain regular water changes. FishBase gives a pH range of 6.0–8.0 and hardness range of 5–13 dH for P. scalare, while specialist aquarium guidance commonly recommends warm tropical conditions around 24–30°C.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Marble Angelfish are generally peaceful for a cichlid, but they become more territorial as they mature, especially when pairs form. 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-nippers such as Tiger Barbs, very boisterous barbs, aggressive cichlids and tiny fish that may be swallowed. Very small tetras, fry and young shrimp are not suitable companions. Juveniles can be grown on in groups, but adult pairs may need extra space if breeding behaviour becomes intense.

Feeding:

Marble Angelfish are omnivorous but appreciate a protein-rich varied diet. Feed good-quality tropical flakes, soft granules and small cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and mysis. A small amount of vegetable or spirulina-based food can also be included. Feed measured portions rather than allowing them to overeat, as angelfish can be enthusiastic feeders.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually occupies the middle levels of the aquarium, moving slowly and confidently between plants and décor. Once settled, Marble Angelfish often become responsive at feeding time and may approach the front of the tank. Adults can form pairs and select a broad leaf, slate, filter pipe or piece of wood as a spawning site, defending the surrounding area from other fish.

Care Notes:

Keep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and enough height for the fins to develop properly. Avoid sharp décor and rough handling, as the extended fins can be damaged. Do not mix with known fin-nippers or very small fish. Groups of young angelfish should be monitored as they mature, as pair formation can lead to territorial behaviour. Prioritise steady maintenance over chasing exact water parameter numbers.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / 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.