Rio Xingu Angelfish 3cm (body)

Rio Xingu Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a captivating freshwater fish species that originates from the Amazon Basin in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil.

1. Appearance:

   • The Rio Xingu Angelfish has a long, triangular-shaped body with flowing fins.
   • Its coloration ranges from gold to bronze.
   • The predominant color is silver, and it features a distinctive black vertical stripe that runs through its eye.

2. Size and Lifespan:

   • These angelfish can grow up to approximately 15 cm (about 6 inches) in length.
   • Their lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 12 years.

3. Habitat and Native Waters:

   • The Rio Xingu Angelfish is native to various rivers, including the Ucayali River in Peru, the Oyapock River in French Guiana, the Essequibo River in Guyana, and the Solimes, Amap, and Amazon rivers in Brazil.
   • They inhabit swamps or flooded areas where vegetation is dense, and the water is either clear or silty.
   • In their natural habitat, the water pH ranges from neutral (7.0) down to near 6.0, with a general water hardness (gH) range of 3 to 10 dH.
   • Water temperature varies from 26 to 30 deg C, (75-86F)

4. Diet:

   • Rio Xingu Angelfish have a wide-ranging diet:
     • They feed on tiny fish fry, juvenile fishes, young and mature shrimps, crabs, prawns, various worms, mosquito larvae, and water bugs.
     • Opportunistically, they catch smaller-sized floating insects that fall onto the water surface.
   • In captivity, they readily consume different types of frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods, such as tubifex worms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, krill, and more.
   • A varied diet is essential for their health and mimics their natural feeding habits.

5. Aquarium Care:

   • Rio Xingu Angelfish are considered intermediate in terms of care level.
   • Provide them with a spacious tank (at least 20 gallons) and maintain water quality.
   • Regular water changes and a balanced diet contribute to their well-being.