Mixed Veil Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

The Mixed Veil Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a graceful, long-finned freshwater angel that makes an instant centerpiece in any tall community aquarium. "Veil" refers to the extra-long, flowing fins, and "mixed" means you take home a healthy, hand-picked angel from an assortment of color forms such as silver, zebra, marble, gold, and koi. It is an intermediate, semi-aggressive cichlid with the calm, gliding presence angelfish are loved for. Browse the rest of our freshwater fish.

Care Guide

Angelfish are tall fish, so height matters more than footprint. Give them a tall tank of at least 29 gallons for a pair, or 55 gallons and up for a small group, with open swimming room and some tall plants or driftwood to break up sight lines. Keep the water warm and clean: 76 to 82 F, pH around 6.5 to 7.5, and stable parameters with regular water changes. They are hardy once established but appreciate gentle flow and a planted, structured layout. Angels naturally pair off as they mature and can become territorial while spawning, which is normal cichlid behavior.

Specifications

Compatibility

Angelfish do best in a peaceful, medium-sized community. Good tankmates include corydoras catfish, larger tetras such as black skirts, gouramis, mollies, platies, rams, and bristlenose plecos.

Two things to avoid: fin-nippers like tiger barbs and serpae tetras, which will shred those long veil fins, and very small fish like neon tetras or tiny guppies, which an adult angel may eat. Keep angels with tankmates that are too large to swallow and too calm to nip.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

Feed a varied omnivore diet built on a quality flake or pellet, with frozen and meaty foods to bring out size and color.

• SFBB Frozen Beefheart, a classic angelfish growth and conditioning food.
• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake for a daily staple.
• Hikari Vibra Bites for variety they go crazy for.
• See our other angels: Koi, Platinum Veil, and Assorted.

FAQ

What does "Mixed Veil" mean?
Veil refers to the long, flowing fins of this variety. Mixed means you receive a healthy, hand-picked angel from an assortment of color forms, so each one is a little different.

How big do they get and what size tank do they need?
They reach about 6 inches in body height, taller with the fins. A tall 29-gallon tank suits a pair; a group is happier in 55 gallons or more.

Are angelfish aggressive?
They are semi-aggressive cichlids. They are generally peaceful in a community but pair off and get territorial when breeding. Avoid fin-nippers and fish small enough to be eaten.

What do they eat?
They are omnivores. Offer a quality flake or pellet staple plus frozen treats like beef heart, brine shrimp, and bloodworms for color and growth.