Manacapuru Redback Angelfish

Manacapuru Redback Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare 'Rio Manacapuru') is one of the most beautiful and sought-after wild locality forms of the angelfish. Collected from the Rio Manacapuru — a river flowing into the Amazon near Manacapuru, Amazonas state, Brazil — this population displays vivid red-orange coloration extending from the face across the nape and upper body toward the dorsal fin. The wild-type silver barring is retained below the red wash, creating a striking two-tone appearance.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes and Hikari Micro Pellets make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Vibra Bites. Hikari Frozen Brine Shrimp are an excellent treat for adults. Soft, slightly acidic water produces the richest wild-type coloration in this locality form.

The Manacapuru locality is situated near where the Rio Solimões (upper Amazon) and Rio Negro approach each other — the water is soft, warm, and slightly acidic, with abundant aquatic vegetation. The vivid red-orange coloration is a genuine wild-type characteristic of this population, not a product of selective breeding. It intensifies with age and is most vivid at temperatures above 80°F in soft, slightly acidic water.

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