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What Are the Different Types of Angelfish?

C. K. Lanz
C. K. Lanz

The two types of angelfish are freshwater and marine. There are three species of angelfish found in freshwater that have been bred by aquarists to create new strains. Approximately 89 species of marine angelfish live in shallow reefs in the tropical Atlantic, Indian, and western Pacific Oceans. The freshwater types of angelfish form the genus Pterophyllum, and the marine angels are from the Pomacanthidae family. The markings, colors, and habitat of the different types of angelfish vary widely between species.

The most common types of angelfish found in home aquariums are freshwater angels from the Cichlidae family. The three known species are P. altum, P. leopoldi, and P. scalare. This trio originates from tropical South America and is found in the Orinoco, Essequibo, and Amazon River basins. These angels have flat bodies, triangular anal and dorsal fins, and distinctive dark stripes that provide camouflage among the vegetation they typically live in.

Fox-faced rabbitfish are good tank mates for angelfish.
Fox-faced rabbitfish are good tank mates for angelfish.

P. scalare is the most widely available species of angelfish found in freshwater. Originally described by M.H.C. Lichtenstein in 1823, this angel prefers swamps, dense vegetation, and clear or silty water. The water of its native habitat ranges between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 30 degrees Celsius) and has a pH of six to eight. These freshwater types of angels are ambush predators that target smaller fish and macroinvertebrates like larvae.

The coral beauty angelfish makes an excellent aquarium fish.
The coral beauty angelfish makes an excellent aquarium fish.

As these freshwater types of angelfish can grow tall, they often require a large tank when kept in captivity. A 50-gallon tank that is at least 18 inches (47 centimeters) deep would be sufficient for 12 to 15 angels. As these angels reach full size, the number in the tank should be reduced by half. Freshwater angelfish do best alone or in groups of more than three. Breeding pairs are monogamous and will spawn on flat surfaces in the tank like broad leaves or the glass aquarium wall. In captivity, angels are typically fed a diet of flake food and dried blood worms.

Aquarists have created new strains of freshwater angels by cross-breeding the three known species. Some strains are stripeless with dramatic coloring, while others have unique scales or fins. For example, the gold strain has a light golden body and a dark yellow head but lacks the red eyes and stripes typical of wild angels. The halfback had a silver upper body with dark stripes but a black rear and tail. The leopard has a body covered with dark brown spots.

Other types of angelfish are marine and live in tropical ocean waters among the shallow reefs. These angels often boast bright coloring and markings and have smaller fins with extensions that trail behind them in the water like streamers. Smaller species can be found in home aquariums, but the larger varieties can reach up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length and are therefore too big for most hobbyists to maintain.

These marine types of angelfish are believed to be curious and may approach scuba divers in the water. They are generally diurnal and hide within the crevices of the reefs at night. When these types of angelfish spawn, they release thousands of eggs into the water that float among the plankton until they hatch.

Marine angels typically have an ornate appearance that can change as the fish matures. For example, a male ornate angelfish will have a body decorated with thick, dark bands when immature. Once mature, the ornate will develop additional orange bands on its flanks. The French angelfish has black scales that are rimmed in yellow, a white chine, and eyes highlighted in blue. Such variety of color attracts many aquarists to these types of angelfish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of angelfish are there?

There are primarily two categories of angelfish: marine angelfish, which belong to the family Pomacanthidae, and freshwater angelfish, which are a type of cichlid and belong to the genus Pterophyllum. Within these categories, there are numerous species; for example, there are about 86 known species of marine angelfish according to recent taxonomic studies.

What are the most common freshwater angelfish types?

The most common freshwater angelfish types include the Silver Angelfish, characterized by its silver body with black stripes; the Gold Angelfish, which is more yellowish; and the Koi Angelfish, which has a color pattern similar to koi fish. These varieties have been bred for different color patterns and fin shapes in captivity.

Can you identify some popular marine angelfish species?

Popular marine angelfish species include the Queen Angelfish, known for its vibrant blue and yellow coloring; the French Angelfish, which sports a black body with yellow rimmed scales; and the Flame Angelfish, a favorite in home aquariums due to its striking red/orange color with vertical black stripes.

What is the typical lifespan of an angelfish?

The lifespan of an angelfish varies between species and whether they are in the wild or in captivity. Freshwater angelfish typically live around 10 years in a well-maintained aquarium, while marine angelfish can live up to 15 years or more in the wild, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Are angelfish easy to care for in home aquariums?

Freshwater angelfish are generally considered easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists. They require a well-maintained tank with stable water conditions. Marine angelfish, however, can be more challenging due to their specific dietary and habitat needs, often requiring more experienced care.

Do angelfish require a specific diet?

Yes, angelfish do require specific diets based on their type. Freshwater angelfish are omnivores and typically eat a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp. Marine angelfish are mainly omnivores or herbivores, with some species requiring a diet rich in sponges and other specific nutrients to thrive.

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    • Fox-faced rabbitfish are good tank mates for angelfish.
      Fox-faced rabbitfish are good tank mates for angelfish.
    • The coral beauty angelfish makes an excellent aquarium fish.
      The coral beauty angelfish makes an excellent aquarium fish.