Albino Pearlscale Angel

Albino Pearlscale Angel (Pterophyllum scalare) combines the albino gene with the pearlscale mutation — producing a pale white to cream albino body with the distinctive raised, diamond-like scale texture of the pearlscale form. The Pearlscale mutation affects scale structure rather than pigmentation — each scale develops a raised, rounded center that refracts light differently from normal flat scales, creating a diamond-like iridescent sheen across the entire body. Pearlscale can be combined with virtually any color form, producing pearlscale versions of silver, koi, platinum, and other varieties. The effect is most striking under directional aquarium lighting where the three-dimensional scale texture catches and scatters the light. Like all captive-bred angelfish color forms, this fish has the same elegant tall-bodied profile, long flowing fins, and peaceful-but-territorial personality as the wild-type angelfish. Generations of captive breeding have produced fish that are adaptable, hardy, and reliable in a wide range of community aquarium setups.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples — crush flakes for juveniles. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites to bring out best color and condition. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp make an excellent treat for adult fish. Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts.

Angelfish are tall, laterally compressed fish that need aquarium height as much as length — a minimum of 18 inches of water depth is recommended, and 24 inches is ideal for adults. A planted aquarium with tall plants such as Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, or tall Cryptocorynes provides the cover and vertical structure this species naturally inhabits. Gentle filtration is important — strong currents stress angelfish. Keep with peaceful community fish of similar size; avoid known fin-nippers and do not keep with small fish such as neon tetras that may be eaten as adults.

Angelfish are devoted and fascinating parents. Pairs bond for life — presenting a flat, vertical surface such as a broad Amazon Sword leaf, a smooth slate tile, or a piece of PVC pipe triggers spawning. The female lays rows of adhesive eggs which both parents fan and guard obsessively, chasing away all other fish in the aquarium. Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours and the wriggling larvae are typically moved to a pit in the substrate by the parents. Fry become free-swimming after another 5–7 days and can be fed freshly hatched baby brine shrimp. Note that many generations of captive breeding have reduced parental instincts in some strains — if parents eat their eggs, the eggs can be removed and hatched artificially with an airstone.

Angelfish are tall, laterally compressed fish that need aquarium height as much as length — a minimum of 18 inches of water depth is recommended, and 24 inches is ideal for adults. A planted aquarium with tall plants such as Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, or tall Cryptocorynes provides the cover and vertical structure this species naturally inhabits. Gentle filtration is important — strong currents stress angelfish. Keep with peaceful community fish of similar size; avoid known fin-nippers and do not keep with small fish such as neon tetras that may be eaten as adults.

Care & Ideal Parameters