Assorted Pearlscale Angelfish 4.5cm

Assorted Pearlscale Angelfish

 

Angelfish are easily one of the world's most popular aquarium fish coming in an assortment of colours and patterns. Because of all the captive colour variations and how no 2 fish look the same, angelfish are very sought after by breeders too. These fish are also a member of the cichlid family but unlike most cichlids which are recognised as being aggressive species which are not suitable in community aquariums, the angelfish is a stark opposite of this. They make for great centrepiece fish in community aquariums and are very easy to keep.

 

Pearlscale angelfish get their name due to a genetic trait which causes raised metallic striations across the body creating a shimmering which is seen in pearls. These metallic scales reflect light amazingly to really highlight the body colours of the angelfish and this trait seems to be exclusive to these fish. The pearlscale gene tends to be most common in solid colour angelfish like yellows or platinums however they can also be bred into patterned strains like koi or clowns too. This assorted option allows of a great lucky dip to be offered where you can experience one of each option available. These angelfish fall in to the scalare species meaning they can get fairly big however they have a very slim profile, almost looking like an arrowhead gliding in the aquarium.

 

Trying to find the males and females in not only the pearlscale angel but angelfish in general is somewhat difficult when they are small, however dominant males will develop a small hump on their head. One can be 100% certain only when a breeding pair is formed. The best way to ensure this happens is to start with a small group of 5-6 fish and let them pair off naturally. Pearlscale angelfish are not found in the wild as they are a captive bred and man made colour variation however the angelfish in general is from South America.

 

Tank Recommendations for your Pearlscale Angelfish

As the pearlscale angel is a colour variation of the common scalare angelfish species meaning it has the same aquarium needs of any other angelfish variety. At full adult size they reach around 15 cm long and a decent 20 cm tall, because of this they would need to be kept in a tank that is at least 100 litres.

 

Pearlscale angelfish are not exactly a solitary species and should be kept in mated pairs or shoals. However they will need space as they can be territorial at times, so having a good footprint in the aquarium is always best. A sand or gravel substrate is perfectly fine, but a well planted aquarium with lots of branching driftwood and rock will be greatly appreciated by these angelfish.

 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The pearlscale angelfish is fairly peaceful with aggression only ever coming out during breeding males however they may eat very small fish fry and shrimp. With adequate space these fish will get along with a wide range of community fish. it has however been noted that angelfish can possibly be aggressive against fish species which look similar.

 

Usually Compatible

Other angelfish, tetras, gouramis, corydoras, angelfish, barbs dwarf cichlids such as rams and large peaceful cichlids such as uaru or Severums.

 

Sometime Compatible

Semi aggressive or territorial cichlids like fire mouths, convicts cichlids and similar species.

 

Rarely Compatible

large aggressive species such as African cichlids, Oscars and Jaguar cichlids.

 

Feeding your Pearlscale Angelfish
Angelfish in general are a very easy species to feed that will take to a wide range of aquarium foods like pellets or flakes. They are naturally an omnivore that feed off plant matter like algae, small insects and crustaceans. This means a well balanced aquarium food which has good protein and green content would be best.