Angel-Koi

🐠 Koi Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare – Koi variety)

• Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare

• Common name: Koi Angelfish

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Amazon River Basin (South America); selectively bred in captivity for coloration

• Type: Freshwater, tropical angelfish

🔹 Appearance

• Body shape: Tall, laterally compressed (classic angelfish shape)

• Colouration:

  • Pattern resembles koi carp, hence the name

  • Combination of white, orange, and black markings

  • Some display metallic or golden hues on the head and back

  • Amount and intensity of orange may increase with age and diet

• Fins: Long, elegant dorsal and anal fins; may also occur in veil or super veil varieties

• Size:

  • Body length: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)

  • Total height (with fins): up to 20–25 cm (8–10 in)

🔹 Temperament & Behaviour

• Generally peaceful, but can be territorial during breeding

• Best kept in small groups or bonded pairs

• May eat very small fish (like tiny tetras or fry)

• Compatible with peaceful community fish (corydoras, gouramis, medium tetras, dwarf plecos)

🔹 Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons (115 L) for a pair; taller tanks preferred

• Temperature: 25–29 °C (77–84 °F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Aquascape:

  • Tall plants and driftwood to mimic natural habitat

  • Gentle water flow to protect fins

  • Dim or soft lighting enhances their colours

  • Open swimming space is important

🔹 Diet

• Omnivorous: eats flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods

• Include brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia for bright coloration

• Carotenoid-rich foods (like spirulina or color-enhancing pellets) help intensify orange pigment

• Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions

🔹 Breeding

• Pair-forming species — males and females form monogamous pairs

• Substrate spawners: lay eggs on flat surfaces (plant leaves, slate, or glass)

• Both parents guard and fan eggs and fry

• Eggs hatch in ~48–60 hours at tropical temperatures

• Fry can be fed infusoria or baby brine shrimp

🔹 Care Notes

• Fairly hardy and beginner-friendly

• Sensitive to poor water quality — maintain regular water changes

• Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive tankmates

• Lifespan: 10–15 years in good conditions

✨ Key Features

• Stunning orange-white-black “koi-like” pattern

• Elegant long fins and graceful swimming

• Peaceful but territorial when breeding

• Hardy and easy to care for

• Available in short-fin, veil, and super-veil forms