Types of Angelfish Varieties for Aquariums

This is a beautiful and elegant type of angelfish, which displays an irregular marbled pattern. The coloration is a combination of black, silver and yellow, with a unique pattern in each individual. The size is between 12 and 15 cm in length, with the fins being able to grow a little longer. They can have a little gold coloration, but this is much less than the gold marble angelfish which we describe below.

Marble angelfish usually have a calm demeanor, but they can become territorial during reproduction. Otherwise, they are generally great for a wide range of tankmates. You can learn more about what to consider when keeping angelfish with other freshwater fish in our guide to the best angelfish tankmates.

A multi-gene combination has led to one of the most common types of angelfish varieties, the koi angelfish. Maintaining an elegant appearance thanks to a laterally flattened body and precious fins, the koi angelfish has a base silver color which is adored with various pataches of black, white and orange. This produces similar patterns to various koi carp morphs.

It can measure between 14 and 16 cm in length. It has a calm demeanor and can be with other angelfish types. Males have be very responsible parentals in terms of behavior, something typical of the species. Feeding and water care are essential to maintain a healthy animal which maintains its striking colors.

In addition to the koi carp, you can take a look at our related guide to discover some of the best fish for an outdoor pond.

The veiled angelfish variety stands out for the presence of elongated and undulating fins which provide a unique appearance when moving. It can have light or dark colors, but the common name is based on its prominent fins. It can be bred in combination with other types of angelfish with the marble veil angelfish being particularly popular.

This type of angelfish needs adequate spaces and cannot live with just any other type of fish. Both aspects are essential for the care of their long fins, so it is important to know which fish are compatible with veil angelfish. This means fin-nipping fish are definitely incompatible.

Image: WikiAquarium

Due to its bright golden hue, the gold or golden angelfish incorporates a luminous silver coloration into its color morph. Like the previous angelfish varieties, its size is between 12 and 15 cm long, but the fins can be longer still. Adequate feeding is important to show the described tones. For this type of angelfish, it is especially important that it does not live with aggressive species. As we stated above, combination gold angelfish morphs may also be bred.

Image: WikiAquarium

Also known as the Orinoco angelfish or deep angelfish, the altum angelfish (Pterophyllum altum) is not a morph of the freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). It is a separate species and are generally more difficult to care for other types of angelfish and their morphs. They need larger tanks, warmer water and immaculate hygiene. Being more sensitive than their freshwater angelfish cousins, poor water quality can kill them quickly.

The base of the body is silver-white, but the combination of the pattern is different in each individual. They do have black stripes which are lined with a varying thickness of yellow. The fins can measure twice as long as the body. They can be wonderful additions to an aquarium, but only for experienced aquarists. Otherwise, choosing another type of angelfish from our list would be recommended.

This type of angelfish is almost completely white, but has some yellowish tones and has characteristic red eyes. The lack of pigmentation makes this fish more sensitive to intense light. For this reason, it is important to keep it under moderate lighting to avoid stress. It can live with other fish as long as they are not aggressive.

Discover more about these fascinating types of vertebrate with our article which asks what causes albino animals?

As with gold and veiled angelfish, the black angelfish is a locus which determines color thanks to the placement of a specific color-determining chromosome. In this case, the chromosome determines the black coloration, although the amount of black can vary depending on allele combination.

There are individuals that are completely black, but also with the presence of lighter greyish or brown areas. Some are marbled and there is a specific pattern known as the black lace angelfish which is particular prized among aquarists. Like other varieties of angelfish, it needs a clean space with vegetation or places to take refuge. Learn more about what plants to keep with our article explaining what is aquascaping?

Image: Aquarium Blog

The marble gold angelfish species has the same flattened and oval body with long and pointed fins as the other fish on our list. It has a golden color with spots that usually appear to be brown or black in hue. As in other types of angelfish color morph, its color is unique according to the individual. It requires large spaces to be able to develop properly.

This type of angelfish is elegant and striking, with its slender body and long, undulating fins. It has a cobalt blue color mainly towards the dorsal fin. This appears to a lesser extent on the pectoral fin, as well as near the eyes. It has a ghostly appearance, making it stand out from other fish. It does not have the blue color initially, but this will gradually appear as it develops. It has a size of around 7 cm.

Image: WikiAquarium

Finally, one of the most striking types of angelfish variety is the leopard angelfish. This has dark spots scattered throughout its body, with a mottled appearance similar to that of a leopard. A notable aspect is that depending on the intensity of the light and the substrate of the space where it lives, its tones can vary.

To discover more about keeping fish tanks and ensuring the well-being of these animals, take a look at our article asking how long do aquarium fish live?

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