Red Head Angel Fish

About 2.5” in size 

Red Head Angelfish — Quick Care Guide

✔ Species Overview

• Type: Color morph of Pterophyllum scalare

• Adult size: 6" body, up to 10" with fins

• Temperament: Semi-peaceful; territorial as adults

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Look: White/gold body with a bright red/orange “cap” on the head

✔ Tank Requirements

• Tank size:

  • 30 gallons for a pair

  • 40+ gallons for groups

• Tank shape: Tall tanks preferred

• Flow: Gentle to moderate

• Decor: Tall plants, driftwood, open middle water

✔ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.4

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

• Stability: Very important for angels

✔ Diet

• Staple: Quality flakes or pellets for cichlids

• Protein foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Color boosters: Carotenoid-rich foods (e.g., krill)

• Feeding note: Slow, graceful feeders—avoid aggressive eaters nearby

✔ Tankmates

• Good with:

  • Larger peaceful tetras (black neon, lemon, rummynose)

  • Corydoras

  • Ram cichlids

  • Otocinclus

  • Peaceful gouramis

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers (serpae tetras, tiger barbs)

  • Tiny fish (can be eaten)

  • Aggressive cichlids

✔ Common Issues

• Territorial aggression: Especially during breeding

• Overfeeding: Leads to bloating

• Fin damage: From aggressive tankmates

• Stress: From cramped tanks or high flow

✔ Best Tips for Success

• Provide tall plants and calm water

• Keep water warm and stable

• Feed a varied diet to keep the red color vibrant

• Avoid overcrowding and fin-nippers

• Best kept in pairs or small groups in large tanks