Genus
Pterophyllum
- Species
- 3
- Photographed
- 3 of 3
- Difficulty rated
- 3 of 3
Where the name comes fromEdit
Greek, pteron, meaning fin, sail and Greek, phyllon meaning leaf. Apparently in reference to the tall wide and triangular dorsal fin leopoldi: In honour of Leopold
Pterophyllum "scalare"Angelfish
authority not recorded
The angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, is a cichlid from the Amazon, Essequibo, Oyapock and other rivers of northern South America. Adults reach 15 cm in body length and 20 cm or more in height, so it needs a tall tank. Almost all fish on sale are mass-produced, in black, gold and koi strains as well as the standard silver, and while generally peaceful it may eat small fish such as tetras.
Pterophyllum altumAltum Angel
authority not recorded
The altum angel, Pterophyllum altum, is a cichlid from Colombia and Venezuela, native to the upper Rio Negro and tributaries of the upper Rio Orinoco. Far less common in the trade than its relative P. scalare, the common angelfish, it is a challenge to keep. It needs very acidic, soft water and high temperatures, most fish are wild-caught and can be difficult to feed, and spawning in captivity is hard to achieve.
Pterophyllum leopoldiRoman Nose Angelfish
Gosse, 1963
The roman nose angelfish, Pterophyllum leopoldi, is a cichlid from the lower Rio Negro in Brazil and the Rupununi and Essequibo basins of Guyana. It can be told from other members of the genus by up to 11 vertical stripes, a dark patch over the operculum and the roman nose that gives it its name. Reportedly one of the more aggressive species in the genus towards conspecifics, it should be kept in a group of four or more to prevent bullying.