Blue Silver Veil Angel

Blue Silver Veil Angel (Pterophyllum scalare) combines A silver base with blue iridescence combined with the veiltail gene — the flowing extended fins catch the light beautifully, showing the blue-silver shimmer to maximum effect as the fins billow with each movement. The veiltail gene dramatically extends the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins into long, flowing, ribbon-like structures that billow gracefully as the fish moves — creating one of the most visually dramatic freshwater fish available.

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.

Veiltail forms require particularly clean water and gentle filtration — strong currents tatter and shred the extended fins over time. Avoid any fin-nipping tankmates without exception; even fish that are not habitual nippers will often investigate the flowing veils. Regular water changes and pristine conditions are important for maintaining fin integrity.

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