Leopoldi Angelfish

Looks how to spot one

scales

The body is nearly round and leaf-shaped, with tall dorsal and anal fins and long, trailing pelvic fins. The basic colour is silver with brownish or reddish tones on the back, dorsal fin, caudal fin and anal fin. Several black vertical bars appear on the flanks, varying in intensity with the fish's mood. The snout is slightly curved and the pre-dorsal notch is absent, which distinguishes it from other angelfish species.14

Personality what they are like

Generally calm and stately, moving slowly through the water. Within a group they establish a clear hierarchy with occasional mock battles, and they can be more aggressive towards conspecifics than other angelfish species. They should not be kept with very active, aggressive or fin-nipping tank mates.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. They prefer subdued lighting and still or very gentle water flow. Provide tall plants, bogwood and root tangles for cover and resting spots.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular small water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels low. They are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry. A filter should not create strong current. Use sand substrate and include dried leaf litter for a natural feel.24

Home where they are happiest

A tall aquarium with a minimum height of 50 cm is important to accommodate their tall fins. For a group of six, a tank length of at least 120 cm (preferably 150 cm) is recommended. Water should be soft (GH 3-8), acidic (pH 5.5-7.0), and warm (22-31°C). Wild-caught fish require even softer, more acidic conditions. Provide plenty of cover with large-leaved plants, bogwood and floating plants to dim the light.24

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous. In the wild they feed on small crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates. In captivity they accept flake and pellet foods, but live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae are relished. They also enjoy green foods like filamentous algae. Feed sparingly once or twice a day to avoid obesity.24

Company who they like around

A gregarious species that should be kept in a group of at least four to six individuals to prevent excessive bullying. They pair off for breeding and make good parents. Suitable tank mates include non-aggressive catfish, small loaches, characins, rasboras and Congo tetras. Avoid fin-nippers, bettas and gouramis.24

The story where it all began

Pterophyllum leopoldi was described by the Belgian ichthyologist Jean-Pierre Gosse in 1963, making it the last of the three Pterophyllum species to be scientifically described. The specific name honours King Leopold III of Belgium, who sponsored the Amazon expedition that collected the type specimen. It is the smallest angelfish species and is frequently misidentified as Pterophyllum dumerilii in the aquarium trade. Most specimens available are wild-caught, so they require water conditions that closely mimic their natural soft, acidic habitat.124

Recognised by the official bits

ITIS

Accepted species in the genus Pterophyllum, family Cichlidae5