Koi Angelfish Care Guide
Pterophyllum scalare var. Koi · Freshwater Fish
What Koi Angelfish look like
Koi Angelfish are domestic Pterophyllum scalare selected for irregular koi-like orange, red, white, black, and gold patterning. They retain the tall laterally compressed angelfish body, long dorsal and anal fins, and paired trailing ventral filaments. Pattern intensity varies by line and diet, with orange crown or shoulder patches especially common.
Behavior & temperament
Koi Angelfish behave like other domestic freshwater angelfish. They are graceful mid-water cichlids that may be peaceful in spacious community tanks but become territorial when pairing or breeding. They can eat very small fish, and fin-nipping tank mates can damage their long fins.
Diet & feeding
Koi Angelfish are omnivorous cichlids. Feed quality angelfish or cichlid flakes and pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis, daphnia, blackworms, and occasional vegetable-based foods.
Behind the name
Pterophyllum means wing leaf, referring to the tall fins; scalare refers to a ladder-like form. Koi describes the ornamental red-white-black patchwork pattern and does not indicate relation to koi carp.
Plan your tank
Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, a stocking plan, cycle progress, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.
Keeping Koi Angelfish?
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