Jaguar Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Jaguar Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a patterned domestic form of the freshwater angelfish, chosen for the dark broken markings that give the strain its jaguar-style look. It is still best cared for as Pterophyllum scalare: a tall-bodied cichlid for warm, stable freshwater aquariums with room for height, open swimming space and calm tank mates.

This Shopify product covers the current Jaguar Angelfish size options on the page, including SKU N649 at 3-3.5 cm and SKU N650 at 4-4.5 cm. The exact variant you choose controls the size sent, while the care guidance below applies to the same angelfish strain and species group.

Quick facts

Aquarium setup

Angelfish are taller than they are long, so aquarium height matters as much as volume. A mature planted aquarium with steady filtration, warm water and vertical structure suits this strain well. Broad-leaved plants, tall stems, wood and shaded areas give cover, while open lanes at the front or centre let the fish move without damaging the extended fins.

A small juvenile can look comfortable in a modest tank at first, but the long-term setup should be planned around adult size. For a single adult or peaceful pair, use a tall aquarium with enough width to let them turn easily. For a group, or for a community with other mid-water fish, allow more space and watch pair formation carefully because angelfish can claim territory as they mature.

Behaviour and tank mates

Jaguar Angelfish are usually graceful community cichlids when kept with the right companions. They are not suitable with fin-nipping barbs, aggressive cichlids, boisterous fish that constantly crowd them, or very small tank mates that may be treated as food by adults. Tiny tetras, small shrimp and newly born fry are not safe choices once the angelfish is large enough to hunt them.

Good companions are peaceful, medium-sized fish that enjoy similar warm water and will not nip trailing fins. Suitable community planning often includes calm larger tetras, peaceful rasboras of suitable size, corydoras, bristlenose plecos and other non-aggressive species that match the same temperature and water values. Introduce new fish with the lights low and observe feeding and territory behaviour during the first week.

Feeding

Feed a varied omnivore diet. Use a reliable tropical flake or small soft granule as the base, then rotate frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and small mysis. Offer small portions that are eaten quickly and avoid heavy feeding after delivery. A varied diet helps condition colour, body shape and fin quality without overloading the filter.

Health, acclimation and delivery

Only add this angelfish to a cycled aquarium with stable temperature and water quality. On arrival, float the bag to equalise temperature, acclimate gradually, keep the aquarium lights low and give the fish time to settle before offering a light first feed. Watch posture, breathing, fin position and appetite closely during the first few days.

When in stock, this is a live fish listing shipped by UK live-animal courier with careful packing for the weather. Tropical Fish Co provides a Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery and acclimation conditions are followed. New customers can use WELCOME10 for the first order discount where the code is eligible at checkout.

Before you order

Choose the size variant that suits your aquarium and existing stock. Check that your tank is tall enough, warm enough and mature enough for Pterophyllum scalare, then avoid tank mates that nip fins, outcompete at feeding time or are small enough to be swallowed by an adult angelfish.