Long-nosed Angelfish Care Guide – Setup, Diet & Breeding

Long-nosed Angelfish are one of the smaller and more distinctive members of the freshwater angelfish group. Pterophyllum leopoldi has a relatively slender, wedge-shaped body, a noticeably pointed snout and tall dorsal and anal fins. Several dark vertical bars cross the silvery to golden body, while the fins can show warm amber or reddish tones.

Long-nosed Angelfish are native to the central Amazon Basin of South America, particularly slow-moving and seasonally influenced waters in Brazil. They are associated with tributaries, floodplain habitats and quieter stretches of the Amazon system.

A group should be kept in an aquarium of at least 200 litres, with larger aquariums preferable as pairs mature and establish territories. A practical footprint is about 120 by 45 cm, with generous height because these fish use the upper and middle water column and have tall fins. Use fine sand or smooth small-grain gravel, sturdy rooted plants, driftwood and upright décor that creates visual barriers without removing open swimming space. Gentle to moderate water movement and shaded areas help recreate their quiet, structured riverine surroundings.

Up to about 10 cm (4 in) in body length; including the extended dorsal and anal fins, a large adult may reach roughly 15 cm (6 in) in total height. Males are often slightly larger and more robust than females.

This omnivorous cichlid accepts quality small pellets and flakes, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae. A varied diet supports colour and condition, while occasional vegetable matter or spirulina-based foods can provide useful nutritional balance. Offer modest portions that are eaten promptly rather than allowing food to settle.

Long-nosed Angelfish can live with peaceful, similarly sized South American fish such as larger tetras, peaceful Corydoras, pencilfish and some gentle loricariid catfish. They may become territorial when spawning and can eat very small fish or shrimplets. Avoid fin-nipping species, highly aggressive cichlids and boisterous tankmates that compete constantly for food. Their long fins also make them unsuitable companions for tiger barbs and other persistent fin nippers.

Long-nosed Angelfish are egg-laying cichlids that usually form pairs within a group. The pair cleans a broad vertical surface, such as a slate, plant leaf or aquarium panel, before depositing and fertilising the eggs. Both parents may fan and guard the clutch, although inexperienced pairs sometimes eat their first spawn. At around 28°C, eggs commonly hatch in two to three days, with free-swimming fry appearing several days later. Feed the young newly hatched brine shrimp or another suitably fine fry food.

Sexes are difficult to distinguish reliably outside breeding condition. Mature males may be somewhat larger, broader-headed and more strongly built, while females can appear slightly rounder, particularly when carrying eggs. The shape of the breeding papilla is more dependable: it is broader and blunt in females and narrower and more pointed in males.