Veiled Angelfish Care Guide - Setup, Tankmates & Breeding

Veiled Angelfish are a selectively bred form of the freshwater angelfish, recognised by their exceptionally elongated dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Their tall, laterally compressed bodies give them an elegant, almost triangular profile, while colour varieties may include silver, black, gold, marble and koi patterns. The flowing fins are especially striking when the fish move slowly through the water.

Despite their graceful appearance, these are intelligent and assertive cichlids with distinct individual personalities. They often investigate their surroundings, recognise regular activity around the aquarium and establish a social hierarchy when kept in a group. As they mature, pairs may claim a territory and become protective of a spawning site.

In the wild, Pterophyllum scalare inhabit warm, sheltered waters in floodplain forests, tributaries and slow-flowing rivers. These environments are often shaded by overhanging vegetation and filled with submerged roots, branches and tall aquatic plants. Their high body shape helps them manoeuvre among vertical stems and dense cover.

Veiled Angelfish are not a separate wild species; the veil-finned appearance is the result of domestic breeding. Their extended fins can make them more vulnerable to fin damage than standard-finned angelfish, and their long-term development is strongly influenced by genetics, diet and the quality of their surroundings.

Veiled Angelfish are a long-finned cultivated form of Pterophyllum scalare, a species native to slow-moving freshwater habitats across the tropical Amazon Basin of South America. Wild scalare populations occur in countries including Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

A group of Veiled Angelfish should be housed in an aquarium of at least 200 litres, with a footprint around 120 × 45 cm and plenty of height; a tank approximately 50 cm tall or more is preferable because of their extended fins and adult body shape. Use a fine sand or smooth-gravel substrate, open swimming space and tall plants, driftwood or vertical rockwork that provide cover without obstructing movement. Leave gentle circulation through the tank and secure all decor, since mature pairs may defend a territory.

Males can reach about 15 cm (6 in) in body length, while females are usually slightly smaller at around 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in). Including the extended dorsal and anal fins, a large adult may stand approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 in) tall.

Veiled Angelfish are omnivores and do best on a varied diet. Use a quality cichlid pellet or flake as the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and daphnia. Small portions of blanched vegetables or spirulina-based foods can add useful plant matter. Feed modest portions that are consumed promptly, rather than allowing food to accumulate on the substrate.

Suitable tankmates include peaceful, medium-sized tetras such as rummy-nose and cardinal tetras, larger rasboras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, larger peaceful loricariid catfish, Bolivian Rams and other calm South American community fish. Avoid fin-nipping species such as tiger barbs, highly aggressive cichlids and boisterous tankmates that may damage the veil fins. Very small fish, including newly added neon tetras and tiny shrimp, may be eaten by adult angelfish, while long-finned fish such as bettas and fancy guppies may be harassed or have their fins nipped.

Veiled Angelfish form pairs and usually spawn on a broad, vertical surface such as a slate, plant leaf or aquarium glass. The female lays rows of adhesive eggs while the male fertilises them, and both parents may fan and guard the clutch. Eggs generally hatch after around two to three days, with free-swimming fry appearing several days later. Offer very small first foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp, and be prepared to separate the pair or young if aggression becomes severe.

Veiled Angelfish show little reliable difference in appearance outside breeding condition. Mature males may develop a more pronounced forehead and bulkier build, while females can appear slightly smaller and rounder. The most dependable distinction is visible during spawning: the female has a broader, blunt ovipositor, whereas the male's breeding tube is narrower and more pointed.