Pterophyllum, also known as angel fish is one of the most specific that the cichlid variety has to offer. The most common type of angel fish is the silver colored one with black stripes all over its body; its shape is that of a discus fish, but it has a pointy long tail, with complicated dorsal-anal fins. The serene and majestic way in which the angel fish moves is probably where its name originated.
The angel fish evolved in the region of the Amazon River. They are used to the constant variations of the water and enjoy the acid one, found mostly on floodplains and swamps with dense vegetation. Its resistance to different PH levels of the water and changing temperatures has made the angel fish so popular that he is mostly bred in captivity.
The adaptability of the angel fish to even the hardest water has made it a good choice for beginners. Although, it is best to ask the person you bought it from about ideal conditions for the angel fish. The angle fish enjoy a habitat that has plenty of plankton and rocks and their spawning is mostly done on leaves.
In the wild, angel fish are carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish and insects. In captivity they can be fed blood worms or shrimp. Also, some angel fish are known for eating their young in the inter-breeding period. In order to have other fish in the same tank, they should be of larger size than the angel fish, to avoid being eaten.
The diseases that affect the angel fish are commonly caused by the snails on the new plants inserted in the aquarium, so it is advisable to check before introducing then in the environment.
