Platinum Veil Tail Angelfish - Pterophyllum scalare

Platinum Veil Tail Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

The Platinum Veil Tail Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, is a refined captive-bred freshwater angelfish variety with a pale platinum-white body and long, flowing veil fins. Its tall profile, graceful swimming style and clean bright colour make it a standout centrepiece fish for mature tropical aquariums. Like other domestic angelfish, it is generally peaceful for a cichlid, but adults can become territorial when pairing or breeding, and the delicate veil fins need calm tank mates and a well-planned aquarium.

Common Name:
Platinum Veil Tail Angelfish, Platinum Veil Angelfish, Platinum Angelfish, Veiltail Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pterophyllum scalare
Captive-bred platinum veil tail variety.

Maximum Size:
Usually around 12–15 cm body length, with a much taller overall height when the extended dorsal, anal and tail fins are included.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
This platinum veil tail form is a captive-bred ornamental strain and is not found as a wild population. The wild species, Pterophyllum scalare, is native to tropical South America, where it inhabits slow-moving swamps, flooded forest margins and densely vegetated waters that may be clear or silty.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; captive-bred angelfish are adaptable, but stable water quality is essential.

Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-territorial. Young angelfish are often sociable and can be grown on in groups, while adults may form pairs and defend a chosen area. They are not suitable with tiny fish that may fit in their mouths, and veil tail forms should not be mixed with fin-nipping species.

Diet:
Omnivorous with a strong carnivorous element. Offer quality tropical flakes, cichlid granules, micro pellets, frozen bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis, daphnia and mosquito larvae. Occasional spirulina or vegetable-based foods can be included for variety. A varied diet helps maintain colour, body condition and fin quality.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 180 litres is recommended for a pair or small group of juveniles, with larger aquariums preferred for adult groups. A tall aquarium is especially important for veil tail angelfish so their extended fins have enough room to develop and move naturally.

Behaviour & Activity:
A graceful mid-water cichlid that cruises between plants, wood and open swimming areas. Juveniles are often social, but adults may pair off and become more territorial. Breeding pairs may lay eggs on broad leaves, vertical wood, filter pipes or aquarium glass and will often guard the site. Platinum veil tail specimens should be kept away from sharp decor and boisterous fish that may damage the extended fins.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Best kept with peaceful, non-nipping tank mates such as larger tetras, peaceful rasboras, Corydoras, small to medium gouramis, rainbowfish, non-aggressive catfish and other calm community fish. Avoid tiger barbs and other fin-nippers, very small fish such as tiny tetras, and aggressive cichlids that may stress or damage them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature, well-filtered aquarium with stable water conditions, gentle to moderate flow and plenty of vertical cover. Tall plants, bogwood, roots and shaded areas help them feel secure. The platinum colour form can show marks or stress more visibly than darker strains, so clean water and careful handling are important. Avoid sharp rocks, rough ornaments and overcrowding, as the long veil fins are delicate.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade / Captive-bred

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.