Angel Fish ( Pterophyllum )

Angel Fish ( Pterophyllum sp ) is a small genus of freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae known to most aquarists as "angelfish". All Pterophyllum species originate from the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin and various rivers in the Guiana Shield in tropical South America. The three species of Pterophyllum are unusually shaped for cichlids being greatly laterally compressed, with round bodies and elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins. This body shape allows them to hide among roots and plants, often on a vertical surface. Naturally occurring angelfish are frequently striped longitudinally, colouration which provides additional camouflage. Angelfish are ambush predators and prey on small fish and macroinvertebrates. All Pterophyllum species form monogamous pairs. Eggs are generally laid on a submerged log or a flattened leaf. As is the case for other cichlids, brood care is highly developed.


Angelfish are one of the most commonly kept freshwater aquarium fish, as well as the most commonly kept cichlid. They are prized for their unique shape, color and behavior. It was not until the late 1920s to early 1930s that the angelfish was bred in captivity in the United States.

Angelfish are freshwater members of the cichlid family, and they originate from South America. This group includes other popular fish such as oscars, Jack Dempseys, parrot fish and discus.

The original freshwater angelfish was a standard silver type. However, mutations in the standard coloring have occurred, and breeders have capitalized on them to create many interesting and beautiful varieties. One of the most recent is the Phillipine Blue, which actually displays some blue coloration as seen in the following video of a breeding pair and their seven-day-old offspring.










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