Product Details

Red Shoulder Manacapuru Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Red Shoulder Manacapuru Angelfish is one of the most desirable locality forms of the freshwater angelfish, valued for its elegant wild-type body shape, strong vertical barring and distinctive red to orange colouration across the shoulder and upper back. This large Manacapuru Angelfish is best suited to aquarists who want a more natural-looking, premium form of Pterophyllum scalare rather than a heavily altered domestic strain. Given space, warm stable water and calm tank mates, it makes a superb centrepiece fish for a planted Amazon-style aquarium.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Red Shoulder Manacapuru Angelfish
Other Names: Manacapuru Red Shoulder Angel, Manacapuru Red Back Angelfish, Manacapuru Angelfish, Red Back Scalare, Freshwater Angelfish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Manacapuru Angelfish is a locality-associated form of Pterophyllum scalare, linked in the aquarium trade with the Manacapuru region of the Brazilian Amazon. The species Pterophyllum scalare is native to South America, including the Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, as well as rivers of Amapá, the Oyapock in French Guiana and the Essequibo in Guyana. Wild angelfish inhabit swamps, flooded grounds and quiet vegetated waters where aquatic and riverbank vegetation is dense.

Appearance & Adult Size:

This form has the classic tall, laterally compressed angelfish profile with long dorsal and anal fins. The body is typically silver to grey with dark vertical bars, while mature fish can develop a rich red, rust or orange flush across the shoulder and upper back. Colour intensity varies with age, mood, sex, diet, lighting and water conditions. Adults usually reach around 15 cm in body length, but their height with fins can be much greater, so aquarium depth is very important. FishBase lists Pterophyllum scalare at up to around 15 cm total length.

Aquarium Suitability:

Red Shoulder Manacapuru Angelfish are best suited to mature tropical aquariums with height, open swimming space and plenty of structure. They look especially impressive in planted aquariums with tall plants, bogwood, roots, leaf litter and subdued lighting. Although generally peaceful for a cichlid, they are not suitable for very small aquariums, fin-nipping communities or tanks with tiny fish that may be swallowed.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 200 litres for a pair or small group of juveniles, with larger aquariums of 250–300 litres or more preferred for a group. A tank height of at least 50 cm is strongly recommended for adult fish, particularly large specimens. FishBase notes a minimum aquarium length of around 100 cm for Pterophyllum scalare, while specialist aquarium guidance recommends tall aquaria for adults.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 25–29°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard, with softer water preferred
Additional Notes: Stable, warm, clean water is more important than chasing exact numbers. Gentle to moderate flow, good filtration and regular water changes are recommended. Avoid cool community conditions, sudden pH swings and immature aquariums. FishBase lists P. scalare as a freshwater, benthopelagic species with a pH range around 6.0–8.0 and hardness around 5–13 dH.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Red Shoulder Manacapuru Angelfish are generally peaceful with suitable fish, but mature pairs may become territorial when breeding. Good tank mates include larger peaceful tetras, Corydoras, bristlenose plecs, medium rasboras, peaceful gouramis, hatchetfish, pencilfish and calm dwarf cichlids in spacious aquariums.

Avoid Tiger Barbs and other fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids, very boisterous feeders and tiny fish such as small tetras or fry. Young fish may be grown on in groups, but adult pairs can become dominant and may need extra space.

Feeding:

Red Shoulder Manacapuru Angelfish are omnivorous with a strong appetite for small meaty foods. Offer high-quality tropical flakes, soft granules and small cichlid pellets, supported with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, bloodworm, daphnia, mysis and mosquito larvae. A varied diet helps support colour, condition and breeding behaviour. Feed measured portions, as angelfish can be enthusiastic feeders.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This fish usually occupies the middle levels of the aquarium, gliding between plants and wood rather than constantly darting around. Once settled, it becomes confident and responsive, often approaching the front of the tank at feeding time. Pairs may select broad leaves, slate, wood or filter pipes as spawning sites and defend the area around them.

Care Notes:

Provide a mature aquarium with stable warm water and enough vertical space for proper fin development. Avoid sharp décor that may damage the fins. Do not mix with fin-nipping fish or very small tank mates. Manacapuru-type angelfish often show their best red shoulder colour as they mature, so young fish may look less intense than adults. Keep stress low, maintain good water quality and offer a varied diet to bring out their best condition.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Premium locality form / Captive-bred or specialist import depending on supplier

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.