XL Mix Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

XL Mix Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a larger mixed domestic angelfish line from Petra Aqua, supplied on this Shopify product as SKU 0941 in the XL 6-7 cm size. The supplier wording is Pterophyllum scalare / mix, so this listing treats the fish as a mixed-strain domestic freshwater angelfish rather than a separate species.

This is the size to choose when you want a more immediate angelfish presence than tiny juveniles can give. The exact Petra catalogue does not provide a source photo for this SKU, so the current owner-approved AI image is being preserved as the visual reference; no borrowed photo from a different angelfish line is being used.

Quick Care Summary

Common name	XL Mix Angelfish, mixed freshwater angelfish
Scientific name	Pterophyllum scalare domestic mixed strain
Supplier line	Pterophyllum scalare / mix, Petra ID 1576
Current size	XL, approximately 6-7 cm supplier size
Adult size	Often around 15 cm body length, with more height when fins are included
Minimum aquarium	Use a tall mature aquarium; around 100-120 cm length is a sensible adult plan
Temperature	24-28 C from supplier data; 24-30 C is widely cited for the species
pH	6.0-7.8 from supplier data
Hardness	0-20 dGH supplier range; stable soft to moderately hard water is acceptable
Temperament	Generally graceful, but can become territorial as adults or pairs
Diet	Quality angelfish/cichlid foods plus frozen or live foods for variety

What “Mix” Means

Mix Angelfish means the exact colour or pattern can vary between individuals. You may see silver, gold, darker bars, marbling, smoky shading or other domestic angelfish traits depending on the batch. The shared identity is the classic Pterophyllum scalare body shape: tall, laterally compressed, long-finned and built to glide through planted freshwater aquariums.

Because this is an XL listing, it suits keepers who want a fish with more display value on arrival. It is also less fragile than very small juveniles, but it still needs careful acclimation and compatible tank mates. Do not choose it purely for size if the aquarium is low, crowded or full of fin-nipping fish.

Aquarium Setup

Build the aquarium around height, cover and calm water. Angelfish look and behave best in tall tanks with vertical roots, broad-leaved plants, shaded areas and open lanes for slow cruising. A mature planted aquarium is ideal. Gentle filtration is preferred; they need clean oxygenated water, but not a strong current that pushes their long fins around constantly.

The supplier care range for this line is 24-28 C, pH 6.0-7.8 and 0-20 dGH. Reliable angelfish references also support warm tropical water and a tall aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, control nitrate with regular maintenance, and avoid sudden parameter swings. Stability is more important than chasing one exact number.

Behaviour and Tank Mates

Freshwater angelfish are often calm centrepiece fish, but they are still cichlids. Adults may choose a territory, form a pair and defend a preferred area, especially around spawning. They may also eat very small fish or fry. Plan tank mates around adult behaviour rather than the fish's size on dispatch day.

Suitable companions are peaceful, warm-water fish that are not small enough to be swallowed and not inclined to nip fins. Deeper-bodied tetras, peaceful larger rasboras and calm bottom fish can work in the right aquarium. Avoid tiger-barb style fin nippers, aggressive cichlids, tiny nano fish, shrimp and anything that will harass long fins.

Feeding

Feed a varied omnivore diet. A quality flake, soft granule or small cichlid pellet can be the staple, with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and finely chopped meaty foods offered as variety. Larger angelfish can be confident feeders, so feed measured portions and keep water quality clean.

Watch each fish during feeding. A healthy angelfish should hold itself upright, breathe steadily and show interest in food. If it hides constantly, clamps its fins or loses appetite, check water quality, temperature, bullying and acclimation stress before assuming it is simply settling in.

Why Choose the XL Size?

The XL size gives more immediate presence and is easier to appreciate in a display aquarium than tiny juveniles. It can also be a better choice when existing tank mates are too large for small angels. The trade-off is that a larger fish needs a suitable aquarium now, not months later. Make sure the tank has enough height, calm areas and compatible companions before ordering.

If you are building a group, avoid overcrowding and watch pair formation. If a pair forms and begins guarding a space, other angelfish or tank mates may need more room or a different layout. Visual barriers from plants and roots help reduce constant line-of-sight tension.

Arrival, Delivery and Guarantee

This SKU read back from Shopify as in stock during the July 2026 cleanup, with live inventory preserved from Shopify. Eligible livestock orders are packed for a UK live-fish courier service with seasonal insulation and are supported by the Tropical Fish Co Live Arrival Guarantee when the delivery and acclimation instructions are followed.

Before dispatch day, test the aquarium, check temperature, dim the lights and make sure there is open swimming space plus cover. On arrival, float and acclimate gradually, keep the tank calm, and avoid heavy feeding on the first day. New customers can use WELCOME10 for 10% off a first order where the promotion is active.

Best For

• Tall planted aquariums that need a graceful centrepiece fish.
• Keepers who want a larger angelfish rather than growing on tiny juveniles.
• Warm community aquariums with suitably sized, non-nippy tank mates.
• Displays where mixed domestic angelfish colour and pattern variation is welcome.

Not Ideal For

• Small, low or newly cycled aquariums.
• Fin-nipping barbs, aggressive cichlids or very boisterous fish.
• Shrimp tanks, fry tanks or nano communities with tiny fish.
• Keepers who cannot provide adult-height planning and stable warm water.

Care Sources Used

This rewrite cross-checks Petra supplier data with FishBase, Seriously Fish, Practical Fishkeeping, Swell UK, Aqueon and Tropical Fish Hobbyist guidance for Pterophyllum scalare. The search terms remain clear, but the copy is written for real aquarists rather than forcing keywords into every sentence.