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Blue Zebra Angelfish

Posted by Max Gandara on on 6th Jul 2025

Blue Zebra Angelfish – The Striped Royalty of Freshwater Tanks

Graceful, Bold, and Brilliantly Blue

The Blue Zebra Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a stunning and elegant freshwater fish that brings a perfect blend of wild beauty and refined coloration to any aquarium. With its deep iridescent blue hues layered over bold black vertical stripes, this angelfish variety is a favorite among aquascapers and community tank keepers alike.

Quick Facts:

  • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

  • Common Name: Blue Zebra Angelfish

  • Origin: Captive-bred (descended from the Amazon Basin)

  • Adult Size: 6 inches (body), up to 8 inches tall including fins

  • Temperament: Semi-peaceful

  • Lifespan: 8–10 years

  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (tall tanks preferred)

Appearance:

The Blue Zebra Angelfish is aptly named. It boasts vertical black zebra stripes across a shimmering silver-blue body that can appear metallic under aquarium lighting. Long, elegant fins flow behind them like underwater banners, adding a regal flair to any tank setup. Their coloration intensifies with age and proper diet, especially under quality lighting.

Behavior:

These angelfish are generally calm and graceful, but they can display territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Best kept singly, in mated pairs, or in groups of 5 or more to diffuse aggression. They are curious and interactive, often coming to the front of the tank when people approach.

Tank Setup:

  • Tank Size: At least 30 gallons; tall tanks preferred due to fin height

  • Decor: Live or artificial plants, driftwood, vertical structures for hiding and territory

  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

  • Lighting: Moderate to high (brings out blue coloration)

  • Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

? Tip: Angelfish prefer taller aquariums with vertical elements where they can claim territory and rest.

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 76–82°F

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: <40 ppm

Consistent, clean water conditions are crucial. Perform regular water changes to keep your Blue Zebra healthy and stress-free.

Diet:

Angelfish are omnivorous and enjoy a varied, balanced diet.

Feeding Suggestions:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food

  • Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Blanched vegetables (spinach, peas) occasionally

  • Spirulina or color-enhancing formulas to intensify blue hues

Feed 2–3 small meals daily and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Tank Mates:

Blue Zebra Angelfish do well in peaceful community aquariums with similar water requirements and non-aggressive species.

Great Tank Mates Include:

  • Tetras (caution with very small ones like neon tetras)

  • Corydoras catfish

  • Gouramis

  • Mollies, platies

  • Dwarf rainbowfish

Avoid: Fin-nipping fish (like barbs), overly aggressive or tiny tank mates

Breeding:

Blue Zebra Angelfish are egg layers and may breed readily in well-maintained aquariums. Once a pair forms, they will select a vertical surface (like a plant leaf or tank wall) to lay eggs. They often become territorial during this time, so plan accordingly if keeping them in a community setup.

Why Choose a Blue Zebra Angelfish?

✅ Show-stopping coloration with shimmering blue and zebra stripes
✅ Peaceful personality with elegant movement
✅ Compatible with many community tank setups
✅ Long-lived and interactive centerpiece fish

Final Thoughts:

The Blue Zebra Angelfish is more than just a pretty face—it’s a graceful swimmer, a hardy community resident, and a true showpiece fish for freshwater hobbyists. With proper care and a peaceful environment, this angelfish will thrive and become a standout star in your aquarium.