What is a Dalmatin Angelfish?

The Dalmatin Angelfish is a captive-bred colour morph of Pterophyllum scalare featuring distinctive black spots scattered across a silver-white body — resembling a Dalmatian dog. It is the same species as other freshwater angelfish (Marble, Koi, Platinum, etc.) but with a unique spotted pattern developed through selective breeding.

How big do Dalmatin Angelfish get?

The body reaches approximately 15 cm, but including the long dorsal and anal fins, adult angelfish can be 20 cm or more in height. They need tall tanks with at least 45 cm of water depth. A minimum of 150 litres is recommended.

Can I keep angelfish with neon tetras?

Not once the angelfish reach adult size. Adult angelfish will eat neon tetras and other very small fish. Larger tetras such as Congo Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Black Skirt Tetras are safer companions.

What water conditions do angelfish need?

Angelfish prefer soft, slightly acidic water: pH 6.0-7.5, hardness 3-15 dGH, temperature 24-28°C. They come from the Amazon Basin and do best in warm, well-planted tanks with gentle filtration and no strong currents.

Pterophyllum scalare

Dalmatin Angelfish (Pterophyllum Scalare) - Spotted Freshwater Angelfish from South America

Name: Dalmatin Angelfish (Pterophyllum Scalare) - Spotted Freshwater Angelfish from South America
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: KI12
Price: 11.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Semi-Aggressive

£11.99In Stock

The Dalmatin Angelfish is a captive-bred colour morph of Pterophyllum scalare, the classic freshwater angelfish from South America. Named for its distinctive black spots scattered across a silver-white body — reminiscent of a Dalmatian dog — this variant is one of the most visually striking angelfish available. Angelfish are among the most iconic tropical fish, with their tall laterally compressed bodies and long flowing fins.

AngelfishCommunity FishDalmatin AngelfishFreshwater AngelfishPterophyllum Scalaresite:tropical-fish-coSouth American Cichlid

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Pterophyllum scalare

Adult Size

15 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Care Level

Easy-moderate

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Temperature

24–28°C

pH Range

6–7.5

Hardness

3–15 dGH

Minimum Tank

150L

Diet

Flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–28°C

24°CIdeal Range28°C

pH Level

6–7.5

6Ideal Range7.5

Water Hardness

3–15 dGH

3 dGHIdeal Range15 dGH

The Dalmatin Angelfish is a captive-bred colour morph of Pterophyllum scalare, the classic freshwater angelfish from South America. Named for its distinctive black spots scattered across a silver-white body — reminiscent of a Dalmatian dog — this is one of the most visually striking angelfish variants available. Angelfish are among the most iconic tropical fish, with their tall laterally compressed bodies and long flowing fins.

Care at a Glance

Parameter	Value
Scientific Name	Pterophyllum scalare
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	South America (Amazon Basin)
Care Level	Easy to Moderate
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Adult Size	15 cm body (20 cm+ including fins)
Minimum Tank	150 litres
Temperature	24 – 28 °C
pH	6.0 – 7.5
Hardness	3 – 15 dGH
Diet	Flakes, pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp
Lifespan	Up to 10 years

Origin & Natural Habitat

Wild Pterophyllum scalare originates from the Amazon River basin in South America, inhabiting slow-moving rivers, flooded forests, and vegetated lake margins. In the wild, they shelter among submerged roots and dense vegetation. The Dalmatin variety is a captive-bred colour morph that does not occur naturally — decades of selective breeding have produced the spotted dalmatian pattern.

Tank Setup

Provide at least 150 litres with a tall tank — angelfish grow vertically and need at least 45 cm of water height. Include live or artificial plants, driftwood, and gentle filtration. Angelfish prefer soft, slightly acidic water: 24 to 28 °C, pH 6.0 to 7.5, hardness 3 to 15 dGH. Avoid strong currents.

Feeding Guide

Omnivorous; feed high-quality flakes or pellets as the staple, supplemented with frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Angelfish have hearty appetites and will eat most prepared foods. Feed 2–3 times daily. Angelfish will eat very small fish (neon tetras, small shrimp) once they reach adult size.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good with medium-sized peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish. See our Platinum White Angelfish and Blue Diamond Angelfish for other stunning angelfish varieties. Also see our Smoke Angelfish. Avoid fin-nippers (tiger barbs) and very small fish that could be eaten.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

Our Dalmatin Angelfish are healthy specimens displaying the characteristic spotted dalmatian pattern on a clean silver-white body. One of the most eye-catching angelfish varieties available. Live arrival guaranteed with UK delivery.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

Read the full delivery & guarantee story