Angelfish Variety · Domestic line-bred variety (wild type native to the Amazon basin)

Silver

The wild-type angelfish — silver body crossed by bold vertical black bars.

By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated June 2026

Medium8–10 years with good careSemi-aggressive cichlid; territorial when breeding

Silver angelfish — The wild-type angelfish — silver body crossed by bold vertical black bars.

Image: Photo: Mattia Nocciola / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

In brief

The Silver angelfish is the wild-type form of Pterophyllum scalare: a tall, disc-shaped silver fish marked with three to four dark vertical bars that help it hide among Amazon plant stems.

Silver: At a Glance

Key facts about the Silver angelfish variety
Origin	Domestic line-bred variety (wild type native to the Amazon basin)
Size	Medium (to ~15 cm long and ~20 cm tall including fins)
Typical size	Body to ~15 cm long; very tall finnage
Lifespan	8–10 years with good care
Pattern & fins	Silver body with 3–4 dark vertical bars; tall triangular fins
Temperament	Semi-aggressive cichlid; territorial when breeding
Best suited to	Larger planted tanks (110+ L); peaceful, non-fin-nipping tankmates

History & Origins

Silver angelfish are the closest aquarium form to wild Pterophyllum scalare from the Amazon basin. Every fancy colour and fin variety was bred from this base. The dark bars can fade or intensify with mood, and the fish swims among tall plants and roots in the wild.

Silver Fun Facts

Angelfish are cichlids from the Amazon basin, not relatives of marine angelfish.
The vertical bars darken or fade with the fish's mood.
Their tall, flat body is built for slipping between plant stems.
Parents fan and guard their eggs and fry.

Silver Common Health Issues

Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.

Ich (white spot disease)

A parasite producing white salt-like spots, flicking and rapid breathing — highly contagious between aquarium fish.

Care: Treat promptly with proprietary remedies and correct temperature and water quality; quarantine new fish.

Fin rot

Bacterial or fungal infection that frays and discolours the fins, usually triggered by poor water quality or injury.

Care: Improve filtration and water changes and treat with appropriate medication; remove sharp décor.

Ammonia poisoning

Toxic ammonia from an uncycled or overstocked tank burns the gills, causing gasping, reddened gills and lethargy.

Care: Test the water, perform water changes and cycle the tank before stocking; never overstock.

Help animals in need

World Animal Rescue Network funds partner-led rescue, veterinary care and protection programmes across South Asia, Southeast Asia and South America.

Donate to WARN Wildlife guides

Silver FAQs

What is a Silver angelfish?

The Silver angelfish is the wild-type form of Pterophyllum scalare: a tall, disc-shaped silver fish marked with three to four dark vertical bars that help it hide among Amazon plant stems.

Is the Silver angelfish hard to keep?

Variety does not change the basics — all angelfish need a tall, planted, well-filtered tank of 110+ litres, stable warm water and calm tankmates. The Silver suits keepers who can maintain steady water quality and avoid fin-nipping fish.

How big does a Silver angelfish get?

Like other Pterophyllum scalare varieties, the Silver grows to around 15 cm long and, with its tall fins, up to about 20 cm from top to bottom. Plan tank height and tankmates around that adult size, not the small juvenile sold in shops.