Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Marble Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Also called Marbled Angelfish
From South America: Amazon River basin (Peru, Colombia, Brazil), rivers of Amapá (Brazil), Oyapock River in French Guiana, Essequibo River in Guyana1
At a glance the quick version
Body length up to 15 cm; total height including fins can reach 20 cm
Looks how to spot one
scales
The Marble Angelfish has a disc-shaped, laterally compressed body with tall dorsal and anal fins that give it a graceful, triangular silhouette. The body is covered in small scales and the fins are long and flowing.1
Personality what they are like
Marble Angelfish are generally peaceful but can become semi-aggressive, especially during breeding when pairs defend their territory. They establish a pecking order within their group and may eat very small tank mates.43
Daily activity how busy a day looks
They are mid-water swimmers that appreciate tall tanks with vertical swimming space and planted areas for refuge.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Maintain stable water conditions with weekly water changes of about 25%. Use a gentle filter with adjustable outflow as they prefer slow-moving water. Keep nitrates below 30 ppm.54
Home where they are happiest
Minimum 30 gallon tall aquarium for a pair, larger for a group. Water temperature 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 3-10 dGH. Provide driftwood, live plants such as Amazon Swords, and flat surfaces like slate for spawning.54
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous: feed high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times a week with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms. Include vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina flakes.34
Company who they like around
Keep in small groups of 4-6 individuals when young. They are social but can become territorial as they pair off. Avoid housing with fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or aggressive cichlids.54
The story where it all began
The Marble Angelfish is a selectively bred colour morph of the wild silver Pterophyllum scalare. The term 'marble' describes the irregular mottling of black patches on a white body, sometimes with a blue hue. This variety was developed in captivity and is now mass-produced, especially in Asia, making it one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish worldwide.56
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Marble Angelfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Marble Angelfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Stick to a consistent routine and watch that your fish eats within a couple of minutes.43 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Marble Angelfish eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, plus frozen or live treats like bloodworms and brine shrimp 2-3 times a week. Also offer vegetable matter such as blanched spinach. Never feed them anything that could foul the water or is not designed for fish; avoid overfeeding.43
How much space does a Marble Angelfish need?
A minimum 30-gallon tall aquarium is needed for a pair, and larger for a group. They are mid-water swimmers that appreciate tall tanks with vertical swimming space and planted areas for refuge.354
What temperature, light or water does a Marble Angelfish need?
Keep water temperature between 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, and hardness 3-10 dGH. Provide gentle filtration and stable conditions. Lighting should be moderate; include live plants like Amazon Swords and driftwood for cover.54
How often should I clean a Marble Angelfish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends weekly water changes of about 25%, weekly glass cleaning, and monthly filter rinsing (using old tank water, never tap water). Test water weekly to keep nitrates below 30 ppm.54 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Marble Angelfish live with others?
Yes, they are generally peaceful but can become semi-aggressive during breeding. Keep them in small groups of 4-6 when young. Avoid fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or aggressive cichlids, and don't house with very small tank mates they might eat.435
How long does a Marble Angelfish live?
With good care, they can live 10 to 15 years. Stable water conditions and a proper diet help them reach their full lifespan.43
Can I handle a Marble Angelfish?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and damage their delicate fins and scales. Always use a net if you need to move them, and keep handling to a minimum.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- fishbase.org: 4717 fishbase.orgused for origin, coat or body
- aquahoy.com: angelfish guide care types reproduction compatibility aquahoy.comused for length cm
- shoalandstem.com: marble angelfish shoalandstem.comused for lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, diet basics
- angelfishtypes.com: marble angelfish angelfishtypes.comused for lifespan years, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, fun fact
- aquaticsunlimited.com: angelfish freshwater marble pterophyllum scalare aquaticsunlimited.comused for colours, best traits, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs, history, fun fact
- en.wikipedia.org: Pterophyllum scalare en.wikipedia.orgused for history
- fastaquatics.com: angelfish marble fastaquatics.com
Checked 2026-11-03. Text is written in our own words from these sources.