Clown Angelfish 3cm

Clown Angelfish

Through the efforts of captive breeding, there are many unique angelfish colour variations. One of the newer colour strains is the clown angel which has a unique mottled patterning with an almost wild aesthetic. Angelfish in general are one of the most recognizable aquarium fish species and are a member of the cichlid family. Unlike most cichlids which are recognized as being aggressive species that are not suitable in community aquariums, the angelfish is the stark opposite of this. They make for great centerpiece fish in community aquariums and are very easy to keep. 

The clown angelfish have a silver base colour and a bronze gradient near the top of the body. The most characteristic factor about these fish is the mottled patterning they have that goes from head to tail. As these fish mature the mottled pattern deepens in colour becoming jet black. These angelfish fall into 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 clown angel but angelfish, in general, is somewhat difficult when they are small, however dominant males will develop a small hump on their heads. One can be 100% certain only when a breeding pair is formed. Clown angelfish are not found in the wild as they are captive bred and created colour variation however the angelfish, in general, is from South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Clown Angelfish 

The clown angel is a colour variation of the common scalare angelfish species meaning it has the same aquarium needs as 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 liters. 

Clown 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 clown 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 be aggressive against fish species that 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 Clown 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 feeds off plant matter like algae, small insects, and crustaceans. This means a well-balanced aquarium food that has good protein and green content would be best.