All fish / Cichlidae

Leopold's Angelfish

Pterophyllum leopoldi

Also known as leopoldi angelfish, dwarf angelfish, roman nose angelfish, teardrop angelfish, leopoldi angel, pterophyllum dumerilii, leopold angelfish, レオポルディ, プテロフィルム・レオポルディ, 利奥波德神仙鱼, 小神仙鱼

This is the smallest angelfish, with a tall, flattened silver body, a straight forehead and dark vertical bars, including a bold blotch at the base of the dorsal fin. Keepers like it because it suits smaller planted tanks better than the common angelfish and still has the classic angelfish look. It is a wild-type fish, rarely seen in the fancy colour forms.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

26 to 30 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more as juveniles, pairs form naturally

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes and pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central Amazon basin in Brazil, including the Solimões and Amazon mainstems and the Rupununi in Guyana

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on leaves, wood or other surfaces and both parents guard the eggs and free-swimming fry. Spawning is possible in soft, warm, slightly acidic water, though it is less often bred than the common angelfish and pairs may eat early clutches.

Good to know

Often confused with juvenile Pterophyllum scalare, so check for the dorsal fin blotch and straight snout profile. It will eat very small fish and shrimp, and can be sensitive to poor water quality.