Product Details

Red Devil Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Red Devil Angelfish is a bold captive-bred form of the Freshwater Angelfish, selected for strong red, orange and warm blushing tones across the body and fins. Also sold as a Red Angelfish, Red Blushing Angelfish or Red Devil Scalare, this impressive cichlid is best suited to a tall, mature tropical aquarium with calm but suitably sized tank mates. It is elegant, intelligent and eye-catching, but it should be kept with its adult size and cichlid temperament in mind.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Red Devil Angelfish
Other Names: Red Angelfish, Red Blushing Angelfish, Red Devil Scalare, Freshwater Angelfish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Strain / Form: Captive-bred Red Devil colour strain
Fish Type: Cichlid / Freshwater Angelfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Pterophyllum scalare is native to tropical South America, especially parts of the Amazon basin and surrounding river systems. Wild angelfish are associated with slow-moving rivers, flooded forest areas, swamps, backwaters and densely vegetated margins where roots, branches and plants provide vertical cover.

The Red Devil Angelfish is a captive-bred ornamental strain, so its red colour has been developed through selective breeding rather than representing a wild locality form. Its care should still be based on the natural needs of Pterophyllum scalare: warm, stable water, gentle flow, vertical structure and plenty of cover.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Red Devil Angelfish have the tall, laterally compressed body shape typical of freshwater angelfish, with long triangular dorsal and anal fins and graceful trailing ventral filaments. Colour varies between individuals, but this strain may show red, orange, peach, gold or blushing tones across the body, head and fins, often becoming stronger as the fish matures.

Adults usually reach around 12–15 cm in body length, but their overall height including fins can be much greater. For this reason, tank height is very important. Sexing juveniles is difficult, although mature breeding pairs may show differences in body shape and breeding tubes.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to tall planted aquariums, Amazon-style displays and larger peaceful community tanks with carefully chosen tank mates. It appreciates upright plants, driftwood, roots and open swimming space, with calm areas away from strong current.

Red Devil Angelfish are not suitable for nano aquariums or communities with very small fish. Although often peaceful when young, adult angelfish are cichlids and may become territorial, especially when pairing or breeding.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 180 litres for a small group of juveniles or a settled adult pair, with a tank height of at least 45 cm recommended. For a group of adults, 250 litres or more with a long, tall footprint is strongly preferred.

Young angelfish are often best grown on in groups, allowing pairs to form naturally. Once mature, pairs may become territorial and may need extra space or separation if aggression becomes excessive.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Red Devil Angelfish prefer warm, stable, clean water with gentle to moderate flow. Avoid sudden parameter changes, poor water quality and cramped tanks. Tall aquariums are important to allow full fin development and natural movement.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Semi-Aggressive

Red Devil Angelfish are generally calm for a cichlid, but they can be territorial and may eat very small fish once mature. Suitable tank mates include medium-sized tetras, larger rasboras, peaceful rainbowfish, cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecos, peaceful gourami and other calm fish too large to be swallowed.

Avoid neon-sized fish if the angelfish are large enough to view them as food, as well as fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids, very boisterous barbs and tiny shrimp. Long-finned or slow-moving fish should be chosen carefully, as they may be bullied or nipped depending on the individual angelfish.

Feeding:

Red Devil Angelfish are omnivorous cichlids with a strong appetite. Offer quality tropical flakes, cichlid granules, soft pellets and slow-sinking foods as the staple diet.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis, daphnia, mosquito larvae and chopped krill. Some vegetable-based foods, spirulina flakes or soft plant-based pellets can also be included for variety. Feed a varied diet to support colour, condition and fin development.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

Angelfish are graceful midwater swimmers that often hold position among plants, roots and vertical décor. They are intelligent and may learn to recognise feeding routines, often becoming confident around the front of the aquarium.

As they mature, they may form pairs and defend a chosen area. Breeding pairs clean broad leaves, filter pipes, slate or vertical surfaces before laying eggs. Both parents may guard eggs and fry, although young or inexperienced pairs may eat their first spawns.

Care Notes:

Plan for adult size and height, not the small juvenile size seen in shops. Provide a tall aquarium, stable warm water, good filtration and peaceful but suitably sized tank mates.

Avoid fin-nipping fish, tiny tank mates and cramped aquariums. Strong colour in Red Devil Angelfish can vary depending on genetics, diet, maturity and lighting. Regular water changes and a varied diet will help maintain colour and long-term health.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Captive-bred ornamental 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, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.