Rhombo Barb - Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus

Bulgarian Green Red Cheek Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

The Bulgarian Green Red Cheek Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, is a striking captive-bred freshwater angelfish variety known for its darker greenish body tone, pearly or metallic sheen and warm red cheek colouration. This refined domestic strain has the tall, elegant profile of the classic freshwater angelfish, making it a standout centrepiece for a mature tropical aquarium. It is generally peaceful for a cichlid, but like all angelfish, adults can become territorial when pairing or breeding and should be housed with calm, suitably sized tank mates.

Common Name:
Bulgarian Green Red Cheek Angelfish, Bulgarian Green Angelfish, Red Cheek Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish, Scalare Angelfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pterophyllum scalare
Captive-bred Bulgarian Green Red Cheek variety.

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

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
This Bulgarian Green Red Cheek form is a captive-bred ornamental strain and does not occur as a natural 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. Juveniles are often social and can be grown on in groups, while adults may form pairs and defend a chosen area. Avoid very small fish that may be swallowed, and avoid fin-nipping species that may damage the angelfish’s fins.

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 support body condition, colour 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 important, as angelfish need height as well as swimming room.

Behaviour & Activity:
A graceful mid-water cichlid that cruises steadily through plants, wood and open swimming areas. Young fish are often sociable, but mature specimens may pair off and become more territorial. Breeding pairs may lay eggs on broad plant leaves, vertical wood, filter pipes or aquarium glass and guard the site closely.

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 tiny fish such as small neon-sized tank mates, and aggressive cichlids that may stress or injure them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature, well-filtered tropical aquarium with stable water conditions, gentle to moderate flow and plenty of vertical cover. Tall plants, bogwood, roots and shaded areas help angelfish feel secure. This colour strain may show its best green sheen and red cheek tones under good lighting, clean water and a varied diet. Avoid sharp decor, rough ornaments and overcrowding.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred strain

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.