Koi Angel Sml

Koi Angelfish Overview

Basic Info

• Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare (Koi variant)

• Common names: Koi Angelfish, Koi Scalare

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Selective breeding of South American angelfish (Amazon Basin)

• Size: 6 inches (15 cm) body height; fins can reach 810 inches

• Lifespan: 810 years

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons for a pair; 55+ gallons for a small group

• Water temperature: 2529 C (7784 F)

• pH: 6.57.5

• Hardness: 310 dGH

• Filtration: Moderate; avoid strong currents they prefer calm water

• Lighting: Moderate highlights the koi pattern

• Aquascape:

  • Tall plants (Amazon swords, Vallisneria, Java fern)

  • Driftwood and rocks for vertical structure

  • Open midwater swimming space

  • Dark substrate enhances their koi-like colors

Diet

Omnivorous and easy to feed:

• High-quality flakes or pellets

• Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Occasional vegetable matter: spirulina, blanched zucchini or spinach

• Feed 23 small meals per day

Behavior & Temperament

• Semi-aggressive cichlid territorial as adults, especially during breeding

• Juveniles are peaceful; adults may chase or harass smaller fish

• Prefer groups that can form natural hierarchies, or a single breeding pair

• Intelligent and interactive with owners

Breeding Koi Angelfish

Setup

• Tank: 2030 gallons for a pair

• Temperature: 2830 C (8286 F)

• pH: ~6.87.0

• Provide a flat surface for egg-laying slate, broad leaves, or aquarium glass

• Light current; calm, quiet environment

& Spawning Behavior

• Pair cleans a flat surface together

• Female lays rows of eggs; male fertilizes

• Both parents guard eggs and fry; they fan eggs with fins for oxygenation

• Eggs hatch in 23 days; fry free-swimming after 57 days

Fry Care

• Start feeding infusoria or liquid fry food

• Transition to baby brine shrimp as fry grow

• Maintain excellent water quality; move fry to a separate tank if needed

Good Tank Mates

Compatible Species

• Corydoras catfish

• Plecos (bristlenose)

• Medium tetras (bleeding heart, black skirt, lemon)

• Rasboras (harlequin, scissortail)

• Rainbowfish

• Peaceful gouramis (in large tanks)

Avoid

• Small fish that can be eaten (neon tetras, small shrimp)

• Aggressive cichlids or fin-nippers

• Overcrowded tanks

Fun Facts

• Koi Angelfish mimic the color patterns of koi carp, but each fish is unique.

• Their triangular fins and graceful swimming make them one of the most eye-catching angelfish morphs.

• Like all angelfish, they are cichlids, so they are intelligent, social, and sometimes territorial.