Smokey Angelfish 3-6cm

Description

Smokey Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Subtle, sophisticated and effortlessly elegant, the Smokey Angelfish is a classic designer variety admired for its rich smoky charcoal shading and graceful flowing fins. Its understated beauty, calm personality and timeless appeal make it an exceptional centrepiece for planted aquariums and peaceful community displays.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
  • Common name: Smokey 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?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want an elegant Angelfish with subtle, sophisticated colouration.
  • You keep a tall planted aquarium with natural décor.
  • You enjoy intelligent fish with graceful swimming behaviour.
  • You're looking for a peaceful centrepiece fish for a community aquarium.

❌ Avoid if:

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

Why choose the Smokey Angelfish?

The Smokey Angelfish is prized for its beautiful gradient colouration, where soft silver transitions into deep smoky charcoal across the rear half of the body. This natural-looking pattern creates a refined appearance that complements virtually any aquascape.

As they mature, the smoky shading often becomes richer and more defined, while their tall body and flowing fins create an elegant silhouette that glides effortlessly through the aquarium. Their understated beauty makes them particularly popular among aquarists who appreciate classic, natural-looking Angelfish varieties.

Like all Angelfish, Smokey Angelfish are intelligent, interactive and quick to recognise feeding routines, making them fascinating fish to observe over many years.

Benefits

  • Elegant smoky charcoal colour gradient
  • Classic designer Angelfish variety
  • Graceful long fins and slow, majestic swimming
  • Outstanding centrepiece for planted aquariums
  • Peaceful temperament for a cichlid
  • Suitable for breeding in home aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–30°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 with regular water changes to preserve healthy finnage and vibrant colouration.
  • Avoid overcrowding and aggressive tank mates.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Congo Tetras
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Bolivian Rams
NTA Insight:
Smokey Angelfish are often overlooked beside brighter designer varieties, but their refined colouration has a timeless elegance. Their smoky gradient becomes especially striking against dark backgrounds with lush green plants and natural driftwood. Excellent water quality and a varied diet help maintain their healthy finnage and rich charcoal tones as they mature.

FAQ

What makes a Smokey Angelfish different?

Smokey Angelfish display a distinctive charcoal gradient that typically darkens the rear half of the body, creating a refined and natural appearance.

Will the smoky colour become darker as they mature?

In many fish, yes. As they grow, the charcoal shading often becomes richer and more defined, especially when kept in excellent water conditions.

How large do Smokey Angelfish grow?

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

Can they live in community aquariums?

Yes. They do well with peaceful medium-sized companions such as Corydoras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Congo Tetras and Bristlenose Catfish. Avoid fin-nipping species and very small fish.

Do they need a tall aquarium?

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

Can Smokey Angelfish breed in captivity?

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

How long do Smokey Angelfish live?

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

Smokey Angelfish 3-6cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)
📍 In-Store Locations: GUP3-3
📦 Arrival Date: 7 March 2026

 

$12.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Smokey Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

    Subtle, sophisticated and effortlessly elegant, the Smokey Angelfish is a classic designer variety admired for its rich smoky charcoal shading and graceful flowing fins. Its understated beauty, calm personality and timeless appeal make it an exceptional centrepiece for planted aquariums and peaceful community displays.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
    • Common name: Smokey 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?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want an elegant Angelfish with subtle, sophisticated colouration.
    • You keep a tall planted aquarium with natural décor.
    • You enjoy intelligent fish with graceful swimming behaviour.
    • You're looking for a peaceful centrepiece fish for a community aquarium.

    ❌ Avoid if:

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

    Why choose the Smokey Angelfish?

    The Smokey Angelfish is prized for its beautiful gradient colouration, where soft silver transitions into deep smoky charcoal across the rear half of the body. This natural-looking pattern creates a refined appearance that complements virtually any aquascape.

    As they mature, the smoky shading often becomes richer and more defined, while their tall body and flowing fins create an elegant silhouette that glides effortlessly through the aquarium. Their understated beauty makes them particularly popular among aquarists who appreciate classic, natural-looking Angelfish varieties.

    Like all Angelfish, Smokey Angelfish are intelligent, interactive and quick to recognise feeding routines, making them fascinating fish to observe over many years.

    Benefits

    • Elegant smoky charcoal colour gradient
    • Classic designer Angelfish variety
    • Graceful long fins and slow, majestic swimming
    • Outstanding centrepiece for planted aquariums
    • Peaceful temperament for a cichlid
    • Suitable for breeding in home aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–30°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 with regular water changes to preserve healthy finnage and vibrant colouration.
    • Avoid overcrowding and aggressive tank mates.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Congo Tetras
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    • Bolivian Rams
    NTA Insight:
    Smokey Angelfish are often overlooked beside brighter designer varieties, but their refined colouration has a timeless elegance. Their smoky gradient becomes especially striking against dark backgrounds with lush green plants and natural driftwood. Excellent water quality and a varied diet help maintain their healthy finnage and rich charcoal tones as they mature.

    FAQ

    What makes a Smokey Angelfish different?

    Smokey Angelfish display a distinctive charcoal gradient that typically darkens the rear half of the body, creating a refined and natural appearance.

    Will the smoky colour become darker as they mature?

    In many fish, yes. As they grow, the charcoal shading often becomes richer and more defined, especially when kept in excellent water conditions.

    How large do Smokey Angelfish grow?

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

    Can they live in community aquariums?

    Yes. They do well with peaceful medium-sized companions such as Corydoras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Congo Tetras and Bristlenose Catfish. Avoid fin-nipping species and very small fish.

    Do they need a tall aquarium?

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

    Can Smokey Angelfish breed in captivity?

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

    How long do Smokey Angelfish live?

    With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied nutritious diet, Smokey Angelfish 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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