Pterophyllum scalare Philippine Blue Zebra
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IMPORTANT
Keeping fish in an aquarium requires an ethical and responsible approach that prioritizes animal welfare. Purchasing fish for an aquarium should never be an impulsive decision. It is essential to understand the specific needs of each species, including water quality, aquarium size, behavior, and diet. Only fish with similar water quality requirements should be kept together in the same aquarium.
A Little More Information...
Pterophyllum scalare, also called Philippine Blue Zebra, is an aquarium-bred form of the popular angelfish, a large Amazonian cichlid recognized by its diamond-shaped body and greatly extended fins. Its bluish coloration and vertical bars create an especially elegant appearance under subdued lighting. This form remains very common in the aquarium hobby and is suitable for aquarists who can provide a tall, stable, well-maintained aquarium. Usually peaceful when properly housed, it becomes territorial as a pair and may prey on very small fish.
General species description
Pterophyllum scalare belongs to the South American cichlids and shows the classic angelfish profile: laterally compressed body, extended dorsal and anal fins, and slow movement among plants. Philippine Blue Zebra is an aquarium selection of Cichlidae, not a separate species. It prefers calm surroundings, clean water, and vegetation that provides shelter. Despite its delicate appearance, this fish has a structured social behavior and may form a lasting pair bond. Adults require an aquarium tall enough to allow their fins to develop fully.
Geographic origin and habitat
Countries of reference: Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, within the Amazon Basin. The species inhabits quiet side channels, floodplains, and forested areas associated with the Amazon Basin. Water may be clear or stained by organic matter, with light filtered by surrounding vegetation. Current is generally slow to moderate, and natural habitats include roots, submerged branches, and aquatic plants. In an aquarium, this peaceful environment is more appropriate than strong water movement.
Precise location and local name
Pterophyllum scalare is associated with the Amazon River Basin, a vast drainage system containing many tributaries and seasonally flooded habitats. In Brazil, the most common local name is acará-bandeira; “peixe-anjo” is also used in popular and aquarium contexts. Philippine Blue Zebra is mainly traded under its English commercial name. Local names may vary by region, but they generally refer to the freshwater angelfish.
Appearance and physical characteristics
This variety has a silvery to bluish body marked by dark vertical bars and a more or less contrasting zebra pattern. The dorsal and anal fins are long and triangular, giving the fish considerable overall height. The pelvic fins are filamentous, while the caudal fin remains forked. Color intensity may change with lighting, age, social status, and water quality. Exact body pattern and blue coloration can vary from one individual to another.
General diet
Pterophyllum scalare is an omnivore and readily accepts a varied aquarium diet. Use quality flakes or cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and krill. Small portions offered regularly help maintain good condition without creating excess organic waste. A varied diet supports coloration and growth, but very small prey may be swallowed by adults. Remove uneaten food after a few minutes.
Essential data
- Native river: Amazon River and its tributaries
- Local name: Acará-bandeira
- Origin of the scientific name: Genus and species established in zoological nomenclature
- Full-name etymology: Pterophyllum means “winged leaf” or “leaf-shaped fin”; scalare means “ladder-like,” referring to the vertical bars
- Common/vernacular names: Freshwater angelfish, Philippine Blue Zebra, angelfish, scalaire
- Family: Cichlidae
- Subfamily: Cichlinae
- Name pronunciation: ter-oh-FEE-lum SKA-lar-ee
- Discovery: Schultze, 1823
- Maximum adult size: About 15 cm in body length; greater total height with the fins
- Water temperature and pH: 24 to 30 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
- Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Quiet channels, forest waters, or floodplains with roots, branches, and dense vegetation
- Typical tankmates: Medium-sized tetras, corydoras, peaceful small loricariids, and suitably sized hatchetfish
- Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, schooling when young, territorial as a pair, and protective while spawning
- Water depth: Shallow to intermediate areas, often near banks, roots, and vegetation
- Sexual dimorphism: Difficult to determine outside breeding condition; the genital papilla is more reliable in mature spawning fish
- Bottom structure and flow: Sand, mud, leaves, and plant debris; slow to moderate current
In your aquarium
To succeed with Pterophyllum scalare, choose a tall, covered aquarium furnished with sturdy plants, roots, and open swimming areas. Provide effective filtration, but keep water movement moderate, with stable conditions and low nitrate levels. Keep a group of young fish when space allows, then monitor pair territoriality. Avoid tiny tankmates and fin-nipping species. A varied diet, regular water changes, and adequate aquarium height are the essential keys to long-term care.
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