Blue Snakeskin Angel (Taiwan Bred) 4cm

Blue Snakeskin Angelfish (Taiwan Bred)

There aren't many freshwater fish that have as many selectively bred colour varieties as the common angelfish. Over decades of breeding, hobbyists have developed countless strains that all offer something slightly different. However, the Blue Snakeskin Angelfish has remained one of the most impressive thanks to its incredible metallic patterning. Taiwan has also become well known for producing exceptionally high-quality angelfish, with many breeders focusing on improving colour intensity and finnage.

The Blue Snakeskin Angelfish displays a brilliant metallic sky-blue body covered with intricate dark reticulated markings that create the famous "snakeskin" pattern. Rather than displaying bold vertical bars like many traditional angelfish, this strain develops a maze-like network across the body that becomes increasingly detailed as the fish matures. Depending on the lighting, shades of turquoise, silver, and steel blue shimmer across the scales, while the elongated dorsal and anal fins complete the fish's graceful appearance. Against a black background or in a densely planted aquarium, the metallic blue really shines through and quickly becomes the focal point of the aquarium.

Breeding Blue Snakeskin Angelfish follows the same process as most domestic angelfish strains. Once a compatible pair has formed, they will carefully clean a flat vertical surface before laying rows of adhesive eggs. Both parents actively guard the eggs and later the fry. Males and females can be difficult to distinguish outside of breeding, although mature females generally become slightly fuller through the abdomen.

Suitable Tank Buddies for your Blue Snakeskin Angelfish

Blue Snakeskin Angelfish are generally peaceful community fish but may become territorial while breeding.

Usually Compatible

Cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras, black widow tetras, corydoras, bristlenose catfish, peaceful rainbowfish and other similarly sized community fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Blue rams, apistogramma, larger gouramis and other peaceful cichlids that are unlikely to compete aggressively for territory.

Rarely Compatible

Tiger barbs and other fin-nipping species should be avoided, along with very small nano fish that could eventually be viewed as food by mature angelfish.

Feeding your Blue Snakeskin Angelfish

Blue Snakeskin Angelfish are extremely easy to feed and readily accept a wide variety of aquarium foods. The ideal diet would consist of a quality flake or slow-sinking cichlid pellet, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, blackworms or brine shrimp to maintain excellent health, encourage breeding, and bring out the intensity of the red head colouration.