Scalar or sailfish In this Guides more precisely what Breeding, husbandry, care, origin and investigate needs. We are going into the Pterophyllum altum, that is, the altum angelfish and thus the tall sailfish another article more precisely, because they differ significantly from the ones mentioned above. But let's start with the origin and occurrence.
Occurrence and origin of scalars (Pterophyllum scalare)
First one might have to clarify why there are different scalars. Angelfish are certainly one of the most popular ornamental fish in our domestic aquariums, although not all can be kept in the same way. Basically, three species can be distinguished here, all of which belong to the group of cichlids (Cichlidea).
- Pterophyllum scalare
- Pterophyllum leopoldi
- Pterophyllum deep
As already mentioned, in this article we are dealing with the type of scalar (Pterophyllum scalare), which is one of the medium-sized scalars in terms of size. The altum scalars are much larger and the leopoldi are a bit smaller.
The species described above lives in the tropical rain forest rivers. There mostly in rather slow-flowing areas. The shore area in particular is inhabited by the scalars. There are distributions in the area of the Rio Negro or the Rio Branco in Brazil. In addition, angelfish can also be found in the Rio Madeira or in the Rio Araguaia. The scalar can be found in French Guiana as well as in the Peruvian Amazon.
Maybe something about the naming, because the word scalar has a certain meaning. This means ladder and usually refers to the original appearance of the animals. The black longitudinal stripes act like a ladder, which is why the name scalar was created. In the meantime there are many cultivated forms where this "ladder" is no longer to be seen.
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Appearance of scalars
Anyone who has seen a scalar will certainly recognize it quickly, no matter what species and genus it is. The animals are often also called high-backed fins because they have a special shape. Her body looks as if it has been compressed and is very flat in shape. However, they should not be confused with the round and flat discus. Another very distinctive sign of the scalars are the fin rays, which can become very long. The overall picture thus looks like a triangle.
As far as the color and the respective pattern are concerned, there are very big differences. Be it the more mixed forms or the marbled angelfish. The different areas of origin and also the countless crossings in breeding allow many color variants today. So today there are completely black or even completely white angelfish. There are also angelfish which have the coloring of goldfish or are simply red, orange, black and marbled. Original species are, for example, the Rio Nanay scalars, which suggests the respective place of origin of the scalars. Angelfish were crossed from various tropical rivers and bodies of water in order to get even more color variations.
Depending on the species, the animals can reach a considerable age. One speaks of certain species up to 15 years. In our aquarium, most species and genera of angelfish are around 8 - 10 years old.[the_ad id=”1019″]
There are also some differences in terms of size. A scale of the genus Pterophyllum Scalare grows up to 25 cm high. An altum angel can even grow up to 40 cm high. In addition, the animals are also up to 20 cm long. An animal of the upper genus is assumed to have a maximum length of 15 cm.
The distinction between males and females is difficult to see. Basically there is only a 100% determination when the animals start to spawn. Outside the spawning season, there are no distinguishing features. Again and again one reads that the males can be distinguished by the shape of their heads when they are older. But this seems to be rather difficult. If you have the opportunity to take a closer look at the genital papillae, you can see a difference there. The males are more pointed and the females are more rounded. But even that is only for experts.
Socialization of scalars
Again and again questions come to us if one can socialize scalars. In any case, you should make sure that the fish are not too lively, because angelfish are rather calmer. In addition, they should not be too small species, because small neon tetras, for example, have sometimes been eaten by angelfish as live food.
Larger, peaceful and rather quiet tetras are perfect. Scalars themselves should never be kept individually because they are also group animals. A group of 4-6 animals makes sense. Of course you can also use scalars with different Catfish species socialize together.
But you have to be careful with fish that tend to pluck their fins. Here the scalars are particularly appealing.
Keeping and water parameters of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare
Now let's move on to attitude. Anyone who has already read the above lines carefully will quickly realize that there are special requirements when it comes to the aquarium. Since the fish are very tall, you should prefer tanks with a height of 60 cm or more. 40 cm pools do not work. The content should also be correspondingly large and we do not recommend keeping scalars below 250 – 300 liters.
You will have fewer problems with the temperature requirements, because anything is possible between 23 - 30 degrees and therefore the animals are also in an optimal range, where most of the ornamental fish are too. The PH value should be between 6 and 7,5, which is also rather unproblematic.
Water hygiene is also important here. You should definitely have a weekly one Water change . perform
When it comes to hardness, you can’t go wrong with 5 – 15 degrees either. As far as the water values are concerned, scalars are rather unproblematic.
Characteristics of the scalar
- Grows up to 25 cm high and 15 cm long (Altum Angelfish even larger)
- Need high aquariums with a height of 60cm or more
- From 300 liters 23 - 30 degrees temperature
- PH value from 6 to 7,5
- GH up to 15 degrees
- Socialization with quiet tetras
- Spawn on large leaves
Food for Pterophyllum Scalare
Of course, angelfish also have to be fed accordingly. They not only need dry food such as flake food, but should also be mixed with frozen food such as mosquito larvae or daphnia to be fed. In addition, live food should be given again and again. Plant-based foods should also not be avoided. Be sure to pay attention high quality lining.
Breeding of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare
Finally, a few words about breeding, because more and more breeders are trying to breed angelfish here too. Of course, you first need a lot of space here. In addition, a suitable and harmonious couple must be found, which does not always turn out to be easy. Angels are sexually mature at around 6 months.
In particular, large leaves and stones can serve as spawning grounds for the angelfish. These are cleaned extensively beforehand, after which one can quickly conclude that the spawn is laid there. This ritual is usually observed days in advance. The larvae hatch after about 2 days. The parents guard the clutch very well and you don't have to remove the parent animals here either. Apart from spawn robbers. After approx. 4 to 6 days, the young are swimming freely and can now take in their first powdered food or Artemia.