Angelfish

The angelfish is a widely kept cichlid (family Cichlidae) native to the Amazon basin and associated South American rivers. It has a laterally compressed, disk-shaped body with tall dorsal and anal fins and trailing pelvic filaments; wild fish are silver with dark bars, while decades of breeding have produced many color and finnage varieties. It is generally peaceful but is a cichlid, so it can be territorial, especially when paired and breeding. It is often kept in groups when young, from which pairs form naturally. A tall aquarium with warm water, driftwood, and tall plants mimics its habitat. It is an omnivore accepting flakes, pellets, and frozen and live foods. Very small tankmates may be eaten, and long-finned fish may be nipped, so companions should be chosen carefully. Pairs readily spawn on vertical surfaces and guard their eggs and fry, making it a rewarding beginner-to-intermediate cichlid.