freshwater
Freshwater Angelfish (Blushing Panda Marble variety)
Pterophyllum scalare
Laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with long, wing-like dorsal and anal fins. This specific specimen is a domestic color morph featuring a white/silver pearlescent body, black 'marble' spots, and pinkish-red 'blushing' patches on the gills caused by a lack of pigmentation.…
- Habitat
- Native to tropical South America, specifically the Amazo…
- Size & weight
- Typically reach a length of 6 inches (15 cm), but can gr…
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Physical characteristics
Laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with long, wing-like dorsal and anal fins. This specific specimen is a domestic color morph featuring a white/silver pearlescent body, black 'marble' spots, and pinkish-red 'blushing' patches on the gills caused by a lack of pigmentation. They possess long, thread-like pelvic fins used for sensory touch.
Habitat & distribution
Native to tropical South America, specifically the Amazon River basin. Preferred environments include slow-moving water with heavy vegetation, sunken trees, and driftwood where they can hide and hunt.
Ecological role
An ambush predator that feeds on small crustaceans, aquatic insects, and smaller fish. They are social yet territorial during breeding, exhibiting biparental care of eggs. Their conservation status is 'Not Evaluated' by the IUCN, but they are abundant in the wild and widely bred in captivity.
Similar species
Pterophyllum altum (Altum Angelfish), which is larger with a more pronounced 'notched' nose; and Pterophyllum leopoldi (Teardrop Angelfish), which is smaller and more aggressive.