Striped (Blue Sapphire) Angelfish 3-6cm

Description

Striped Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Classic, elegant and instantly recognisable, the Striped Angelfish showcases the timeless beauty of nature with its bold vertical black bands set against a shimmering silver body. As one of the original and most iconic Angelfish colour forms, it remains a favourite among aquarists for its graceful appearance, peaceful temperament and impressive presence in planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
  • Common name: Striped Angelfish
  • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm (body size)
  • Adult size: Up to 15 cm body height and 20–25 cm overall height including fins
  • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
  • Best kept: As a pair or in a group of 5–6 juveniles to allow natural pairing

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You appreciate the natural beauty of wild-type Angelfish.
  • You want an elegant centrepiece fish for a planted aquarium.
  • You keep peaceful medium-sized community fish.
  • You're looking for a hardy and rewarding Angelfish variety.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep fin-nipping fish such as Tiger Barbs.
  • Your aquarium is too small or lacks vertical swimming space.
  • You keep very small fish that may become food as the Angelfish mature.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.

Why choose the Striped Angelfish?

The Striped Angelfish is the classic Angelfish that inspired countless designer varieties seen today. Its bold vertical black bands serve as natural camouflage among aquatic plants and submerged branches in the wild, while also giving it a timeless and sophisticated appearance in the home aquarium.

As they mature, their tall triangular body, long flowing fins and striking black stripes create an elegant silhouette that glides effortlessly through the aquarium. Their calm nature and inquisitive personality make them one of the most enjoyable freshwater cichlids to own.

Whether kept as a peaceful community fish or a breeding pair, the Striped Angelfish remains one of the most iconic and rewarding species in the freshwater hobby.

Benefits

  • Classic wild-type Angelfish appearance
  • Bold black vertical striping
  • Elegant long fins and graceful swimming
  • Excellent planted aquarium centrepiece
  • Peaceful temperament for a cichlid
  • Suitable for breeding in home aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–30Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Diet: Premium cichlid pellets, quality flakes, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp and other protein-rich foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Tall planted aquarium with driftwood, broad-leaved plants and open swimming space
  • Maintain excellent water quality through regular water changes and efficient filtration.
  • Provide plenty of vertical swimming space to allow natural growth and behaviour.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Congo Tetras
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Bolivian Rams
NTA Insight:
The Striped Angelfish is often regarded as the benchmark for all Angelfish varieties. Its bold vertical bands are not only beautiful but also reflect the natural appearance of wild Pterophyllum scalare. Against dark backgrounds with lush green plants and driftwood, their striking stripes and graceful movement create a timeless display that never goes out of style.

FAQ

Is the Striped Angelfish the natural form of Angelfish?

Yes. Its bold vertical bands closely resemble the natural wild-type colouration of Pterophyllum scalare, from which many modern designer varieties have been developed.

How large do Striped Angelfish grow?

Adults typically reach around 15 cm in body height, with an overall height of up to 25 cm including their extended dorsal and anal fins.

Are Striped Angelfish peaceful?

Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish but may become territorial during breeding or while protecting eggs.

Can they live with tetras?

Yes. Medium-sized schooling fish such as Rummy Nose Tetras and Congo Tetras make excellent companions. Very small fish may eventually be viewed as food by mature Angelfish.

Do they require a tall aquarium?

Absolutely. Their naturally tall body shape requires generous vertical swimming space for healthy development and natural behaviour.

Can Striped Angelfish breed in captivity?

Yes. Healthy pairs readily spawn on broad leaves, slate or other flat surfaces, with both parents guarding and caring for the eggs and fry.

How long do Striped Angelfish live?

With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied nutritious diet, they commonly live between 8 and 12 years.

Striped (Blue Sapphire) Angelfish 3-6cm

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Free pickup in our shop(s)
πŸ“ In-Store Locations: GUP3-3
πŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 7 March 2026

 

$15.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Striped Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

    Classic, elegant and instantly recognisable, the Striped Angelfish showcases the timeless beauty of nature with its bold vertical black bands set against a shimmering silver body. As one of the original and most iconic Angelfish colour forms, it remains a favourite among aquarists for its graceful appearance, peaceful temperament and impressive presence in planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Common name: Striped Angelfish
    • Current size: Approximately 4–6 cm (body size)
    • Adult size: Up to 15 cm body height and 20–25 cm overall height including fins
    • Tank size: 180L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
    • Best kept: As a pair or in a group of 5–6 juveniles to allow natural pairing

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You appreciate the natural beauty of wild-type Angelfish.
    • You want an elegant centrepiece fish for a planted aquarium.
    • You keep peaceful medium-sized community fish.
    • You're looking for a hardy and rewarding Angelfish variety.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep fin-nipping fish such as Tiger Barbs.
    • Your aquarium is too small or lacks vertical swimming space.
    • You keep very small fish that may become food as the Angelfish mature.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.

    Why choose the Striped Angelfish?

    The Striped Angelfish is the classic Angelfish that inspired countless designer varieties seen today. Its bold vertical black bands serve as natural camouflage among aquatic plants and submerged branches in the wild, while also giving it a timeless and sophisticated appearance in the home aquarium.

    As they mature, their tall triangular body, long flowing fins and striking black stripes create an elegant silhouette that glides effortlessly through the aquarium. Their calm nature and inquisitive personality make them one of the most enjoyable freshwater cichlids to own.

    Whether kept as a peaceful community fish or a breeding pair, the Striped Angelfish remains one of the most iconic and rewarding species in the freshwater hobby.

    Benefits

    • Classic wild-type Angelfish appearance
    • Bold black vertical striping
    • Elegant long fins and graceful swimming
    • Excellent planted aquarium centrepiece
    • Peaceful temperament for a cichlid
    • Suitable for breeding in home aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–30Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.5
    • Diet: Premium cichlid pellets, quality flakes, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp and other protein-rich foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle water movement
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Tall planted aquarium with driftwood, broad-leaved plants and open swimming space
    • Maintain excellent water quality through regular water changes and efficient filtration.
    • Provide plenty of vertical swimming space to allow natural growth and behaviour.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Congo Tetras
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    • Bolivian Rams
    NTA Insight:
    The Striped Angelfish is often regarded as the benchmark for all Angelfish varieties. Its bold vertical bands are not only beautiful but also reflect the natural appearance of wild Pterophyllum scalare. Against dark backgrounds with lush green plants and driftwood, their striking stripes and graceful movement create a timeless display that never goes out of style.

    FAQ

    Is the Striped Angelfish the natural form of Angelfish?

    Yes. Its bold vertical bands closely resemble the natural wild-type colouration of Pterophyllum scalare, from which many modern designer varieties have been developed.

    How large do Striped Angelfish grow?

    Adults typically reach around 15 cm in body height, with an overall height of up to 25 cm including their extended dorsal and anal fins.

    Are Striped Angelfish peaceful?

    Yes. They are generally peaceful community fish but may become territorial during breeding or while protecting eggs.

    Can they live with tetras?

    Yes. Medium-sized schooling fish such as Rummy Nose Tetras and Congo Tetras make excellent companions. Very small fish may eventually be viewed as food by mature Angelfish.

    Do they require a tall aquarium?

    Absolutely. Their naturally tall body shape requires generous vertical swimming space for healthy development and natural behaviour.

    Can Striped Angelfish breed in captivity?

    Yes. Healthy pairs readily spawn on broad leaves, slate or other flat surfaces, with both parents guarding and caring for the eggs and fry.

    How long do Striped Angelfish live?

    With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied nutritious diet, they commonly live between 8 and 12 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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