Blue Turquoise Marble Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Blue Turquoise Marble Angelfish is a highly attractive, selectively bred angelfish variety combining metallic blue/turquoise iridescence with marbled black and silver patterning. Each fish is uniquely marked, making this morph especially popular as a statement centerpiece in freshwater display aquariums.

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 Species Overview

• Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
• Common name: Blue Turquoise Marble Angelfish
• Family: Cichlidae
• Adult size:
  • Body length: ~15 cm (6")
  • Height (with fins): up to 20 cm (8")
• Lifespan: 8–12 years
• Temperament: Semi‑peaceful
• Care level: Intermediate
• Origin: Captive‑bred (Amazon Basin ancestry)

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 Coloration & Pattern

• Base color ranges from silver to pale blue
• Overlaid with blue/turquoise iridescent sheen
• Marbled black patterning varies fish to fish
• Metallic coloration intensifies under strong lighting
• No two specimens look exactly alike

 Color expression improves with:

• High‑quality diet
• Low stress
• Dark substrate
• Mature, planted aquariums

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 Ideal Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size:
  • Single angelfish: 30 gallons
  • Pair or group: 55 gallons or larger
• Tank height: 18 inches or more (very important)
• Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
• pH: 6.0–7.2
• GH: 3–8
• KH: 1–5
• Flow: Low to moderate
• Aquascape:
  • Tall plants (Amazon sword, Vallisneria)
  • Driftwood or vertical hardscape
  • Open swimming areas

 Planted tanks with vertical structure closely resemble their natural habitat and reduce territorial stress.

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 Diet

Omnivorous and not picky:

• High‑quality angelfish pellets or flakes
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
• Occasional live foods
• Spirulina or color‑enhancing foods A varied diet helps maintain strong blue and turquoise tones.

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 Tank Mates

Compatible with:

• Larger tetras (rummynose, emperor, cardinal*)
• Corydoras catfish
• Bristlenose plecos
• Peaceful dwarf cichlids (with adequate space)

Avoid:

• Fin‑nippers (tiger barbs, some danios)
• Very small fish (may be eaten as adults)
• Aggressive or highly territorial cichlids

 Breeding pairs may become territorial, tank layout and space matter.

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 Breeding Notes

• Forms monogamous pairs
• Eggs laid on vertical surfaces (leaves, slate, glass)
• Both parents may guard eggs and fry
• First‑time pairs may eat eggs (normal behavior)