Zebra angelfish, scientifically known as Pterophyllum scalare var. zebra, is a popular and striking aquarium fish that belongs to the Cichlidae family. This fish is widely admired for its distinctive black and white stripes, which give it a zebra-like appearance. The zebra angelfish is a hybrid species that was bred from a wild-caught silver angelfish and a wild-caught striped angelfish in the 1970s.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | Up to 10 years |
| Temperature | 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit (24-28°C) |
| Min size | 3 inches (7.5 cm) |
| Max size | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Species | Pterophyllum scalare |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare |
| Origin | Amazon River Basin, South America |
| Diet & Nutrition | An Omnivorous, the diet should be varied with high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods, and fresh vegetables |
| Breeding | Eggs are laid on a flat surface, male and female take turns guarding eggs until they hatch |
| Tank mates | Peaceful community fish, avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species |
| Tank size | At least 30 gallons, additional 10 gallons for each additional fish |
| Average price | $8-$20 per fish |
Appearance
The zebra angelfish has a typical angelfish shape, with a laterally compressed body and elongated fins. It grows to around 6 inches in length, making it a medium-sized aquarium fish. As mentioned, the zebra angelfish’s most distinguishing feature is its black and white stripes, which cover the entire body, including the dorsal and anal fins. The fins are also outlined in black, making them stand out against the white stripes. The zebra angelfish’s eyes are red, which contrasts with the rest of the coloration.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
In the wild, angelfish are native to the Amazon Basin in South America, where they can be found in slow-moving rivers and streams. They tend to congregate in areas with plenty of vegetation and hiding spots, such as overhanging branches and submerged roots. The water in these habitats is typically soft and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
When keeping zebra angelfish in an aquarium, it’s essential to provide them with a suitable environment that mimics their natural habitat. A tank size of at least 30 gallons is recommended for a single adult angelfish, with an additional 10 gallons for each additional fish. The water should be kept between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The aquarium should also be well-filtered and have plenty of hiding spots and plants for the fish to feel secure.
Diet
Zebra angelfish are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and aquatic plants. In an aquarium, they can be fed a varied diet that includes high-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen and live foods. They can also be given fresh vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and peas.
Behavior
Zebra angelfish are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial during breeding. They are best kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals to spread out any aggression. When breeding, they will pair off and form a bond that can last for years.
Breeding
Breeding zebra angelfish can be a challenging but rewarding experience. They typically spawn in pairs, and the female will lay eggs on a flat surface, such as a broad-leafed plant. The eggs are then fertilized by the male, and the pair will take turns guarding the eggs until they hatch. The fry will then need to be fed small amounts of food frequently and kept in a separate tank until they are large enough to join the community tank.
Aquarium Requirements
Zebra angelfish are a beautiful and popular species of freshwater fish that can make a great addition to your aquarium. Here are some requirements to keep in mind when setting up an aquarium for zebra angelfish:
- Tank Size: Zebra angelfish need a tank that is at least 30 gallons, but larger is always better. A larger tank will provide more swimming room and make it easier to maintain water quality. For a school of 6-8 zebra angelfish, a tank size of 55-75 gallons is recommended.
- Water Quality: Zebra angelfish prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The water should be well-filtered and changed regularly, typically around 10-20% once a week. The temperature of the water should be kept between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Substrate: Zebra angelfish prefer a soft substrate, such as sand or fine gravel. This will allow them to forage and dig without damaging their delicate fins.
- Decorations: Zebra angelfish like to have hiding places and plenty of vegetation to explore. You can use plants, rocks, and driftwood to create a natural-looking environment that will make your fish feel secure. It’s important to provide plenty of open swimming space, but also enough cover for the fish to feel comfortable.
- Lighting: Zebra angelfish don’t have any specific lighting requirements, but it’s important to provide a natural light cycle of 8-12 hours a day. Too much light can cause algae blooms, while too little can affect the fish’s health and behavior.
- Tankmates: Zebra angelfish are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial during breeding. They are best kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals to spread out any aggression. They can be kept with other peaceful community fish, but it’s important to avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
By following these requirements, you can provide a healthy and happy environment for your zebra angelfish. Keep in mind that different fish have different needs, so it’s always a good idea to research the specific needs of any fish species before bringing them home. With proper care, your zebra angelfish can live for up to 10 years in captivity and provide a beautiful and entertaining addition to your aquarium.
Caring Guides
Caring for zebra angelfish can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some effort and attention to detail. Here are some basic guidelines to help you provide the best possible care for your zebra angelfish:
- Tank Size: Zebra angelfish require a tank that is at least 30 gallons, with an additional 10 gallons for each additional fish. A larger tank will provide more swimming room and make it easier to maintain water quality.
- Water Quality: Zebra angelfish prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The temperature of the water should be kept between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to keep the water clean by performing regular water changes and using a high-quality filter.
- Diet: Zebra angelfish are omnivores, so their diet should include a variety of foods, including high-quality flake food, pellets, frozen and live foods, and fresh vegetables. It’s important not to overfeed, as this can lead to health problems and poor water quality.
- Tankmates: Zebra angelfish are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial during breeding. They are best kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals to spread out any aggression. They can be kept with other peaceful community fish, but it’s important to avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
- Hiding Places: Zebra angelfish like to have hiding places and plenty of vegetation to explore. You can use plants, rocks, and driftwood to create a natural-looking environment that will make your fish feel secure.
- Breeding: If you plan to breed zebra angelfish, you will need to provide a breeding tank with a flat surface for the female to lay her eggs. The male and female will then take turns guarding the eggs until they hatch. The fry will need to be fed small amounts of food frequently and kept in a separate tank until they are large enough to join the community tank.
By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy and happy environment for your zebra angelfish. Remember to monitor the water quality regularly and provide a varied diet to ensure that your fish thrive. With proper care, your zebra angelfish can live for up to 10 years in captivity and provide a beautiful and entertaining addition to your aquarium.
FAQ:
Are zebra angelfish easy to care for?
Zebra angelfish are generally considered to be easy to care for, but they do have specific care requirements such as water temperature, tank size, and diet. It’s important to research their care requirements to ensure that they thrive in their environment.
Can zebra angelfish be kept in a community tank?
Yes, zebra angelfish are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with other peaceful fish. However, it’s important to avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Conclusion
The zebra angelfish is a striking and popular aquarium fish that can be a wonderful addition to any community tank. While they require a bit of effort to keep healthy and happy, their unique appearance and peaceful nature make them well worth the effort. With the right tank conditions, a varied diet, and proper care, zebra angelfish can live for up to 10 years in captivity, providing a beautiful and entertaining addition to any aquarium.
