Blue Pearl Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Taxonomy and identification

Pterophyllum scalare is a member of the cichlid family Cichlidae. It is commonly called the freshwater angelfish and is distinct from marine angelfishes. The Blue Pearl name describes an aquarium colour form rather than a separate species. The supplied label identifies the fish as P. scalare; the exact breeding line and genetic combination cannot be confirmed from the available material alone.

Distribution and habitat

Wild Pterophyllum scalare occurs in slow-moving and sheltered freshwater habitats of tropical South America, including parts of the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo drainage regions. It is associated with submerged roots, branches and dense marginal vegetation, where its tall body and vertical banding provide camouflage. Commercial Blue Pearl specimens are captive-bred and should not be treated as representatives of a specific wild locality.

Adult size and aquarium

A pair should be housed in an established aquarium of at least 200 litres, with a recommended height of about 50 cm or more to accommodate the long dorsal, anal and ventral fins. Larger aquariums are preferable for groups or community setups. Use efficient filtration, gentle circulation, open swimming areas and plants, wood or other vertical surfaces that provide cover without restricting movement. Maintain excellent water quality and perform regular partial water changes.

Behaviour and temperament

Angelfish are generally calm when young but become territorial with maturity. They establish a hierarchy and a bonded pair may defend a spawning site strongly. Keeping several juveniles together can allow compatible pairs to form, but a mature group needs substantial space and visual barriers. Their long fins may attract fin-nipping, and they may eat very small fish or shrimplets that fit in their mouths.

Water parameters

Maintain a stable temperature of 24-30 °C, with pH around 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is usually suitable, provided it is clean and consistent. Ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero, while nitrate should be kept low through maintenance and sensible stocking. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, pH or mineral content, particularly when acclimating newly transported fish.

Diet

Offer a varied omnivorous diet based on a quality cichlid or tropical fish pellet, supplemented with flakes, frozen foods and occasional live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp or mosquito larvae where legally and hygienically sourced. Feed small portions once or twice daily, removing uneaten food. A varied diet supports growth and breeding condition, but excessive rich food can cause obesity and water-quality problems.

Compatibility

Suitable companions are peaceful, similarly sized warm-water fish that do not nip fins, such as robust tetras, peaceful barbs selected with care, Corydoras species and some smaller plecos. Avoid very small schooling fish, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids and highly boisterous tank mates. Compatibility is individual and often changes when angelfish pair or spawn, so provide hiding places and be prepared to separate persistently harassed fish.

Breeding

Angelfish form pairs and usually clean a vertical surface such as a broad leaf, slate or aquarium panel before spawning. The female lays rows of adhesive eggs while the male fertilises them. Both parents may fan and guard the clutch, although inexperienced pairs sometimes eat their eggs. Clean, stable water and good conditioning improve results. For reliable survival of fry, use a separate breeding aquarium or remove the spawning surface and raise the young separately; newly free-swimming fry require very small foods such as freshly hatched brine shrimp.

Identification note

The species and trade form are accepted from the supplied source label, but Blue Pearl is not a formal taxonomic designation. Lighting, age, stress and selective breeding can alter the apparent blue or pearly sheen, and the supplied image set appears to include more than one angelfish colour pattern. Confidence is therefore high for the species-level identification but lower for precise colour-line identification.