Pinoy Angelfish

Introduction: The Pinoy Angelfish is a captivating freshwater fish known for its striking coloration and elegant appearance. A result of selective breeding, this angelfish variety features deep blue or black hues that shimmer under the right lighting, making it a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a unique and visually stunning fish to their tanks. Like other angelfish, the Pinoy Angelfish has a distinctive triangular body shape with long, flowing fins that enhance its graceful swimming. Originating from the common freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), the Pinoy Angelfish is well-suited to a community tank but may show territorial tendencies, especially during breeding.

Scientific Name: The Pinoy Angelfish is a selectively bred variant of Pterophyllum scalare.

Water Quality and Temperature: To maintain the health and vibrancy of your Pinoy Angelfish, keep the water clean and stable with the following parameters:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• pH Level: Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal health.
• Hardness: Aim for a general hardness (GH) of 3 to 10 dGH.
• KH Level: Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) within the range of 1 to 5 dKH to ensure stable water conditions.

Feeding: Pinoy Angelfish are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet to maintain their vibrant colors and health. Provide the following:

• Pellets: High-quality angelfish pellets or flakes formulated for omnivorous fish.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with protein-rich foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
• Vegetables: Occasionally offer blanched spinach or other vegetables for added fiber.

Tank Mates: Pinoy Angelfish are generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially when breeding. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful species, such as tetras, gouramis, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid fin-nipping species like barbs, which may damage the delicate fins of the angelfish. When keeping multiple angelfish, ensure they have plenty of space to establish their own territories.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal for Pinoy Angelfish as they may forage along the bottom. To create a comfortable environment, include tall plants like Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, and Java Fern, which provide both cover and vertical space for their long fins. Driftwood and rocks can also help create territories, reducing aggression among tank mates.

Suitable Plants: Pinoy Angelfish appreciate a planted aquarium with plenty of vertical plants to swim around and hide in. Plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne work well in their environment. Floating plants can also add shade and reduce stress by providing additional cover.

Sexing: Sexing Pinoy Angelfish can be difficult as there are no obvious differences between males and females outside of the breeding period. During spawning, the female will develop a visible ovipositor (a tube-like structure used to lay eggs), while males tend to become more aggressive and protective of their territory.

Breeding: Breeding Pinoy Angelfish in captivity is relatively easy with the right conditions. Provide flat surfaces such as broad plant leaves, driftwood, or slate for egg laying. After the female lays the eggs, the male will fertilize them. Both parents will guard the eggs and tend to the fry once they hatch. Maintaining clean water and a stable environment is essential for successful breeding.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Pinoy Angelfish typically grow to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length, with their long, flowing fins adding to their overall size. With proper care, they can live for 8 to 10 years in captivity.

General Information: The Pinoy Angelfish is a visually stunning fish that adds elegance and beauty to any freshwater aquarium. Known for their unique color variations and graceful swimming, they thrive in a peaceful community tank with plenty of space and hiding spots. Though they are generally easy to care for, providing a stable and clean environment is key to keeping these angelfish healthy and vibrant.

A Fun Fact: The Pinoy Angelfish is named after the Filipino breeders who first developed this stunning color variant, showcasing the rich blue or black tones that distinguish them from other angelfish varieties.