Albino Angelfish

The Albino Angelfish is a captive strain carrying a recessive mutation that completely blocks melanin production, resulting in a creamy-white to pale yellow body entirely devoid of dark pigmentation. The characteristically vivid red eyes result from the blood vessels in the iris being visible through the unpigmented tissue.

Albino is one of the oldest known angelfish mutations and has been combined with many other colour loci to produce albino koi, albino gold, albino marble, and numerous other compound strains. True albinos are homozygous for the albino gene — crossing two albinos produces 100% albino offspring.

Albino angels require slightly more careful husbandry than standard-eyed fish: their lack of eye pigmentation makes them somewhat more sensitive to intense lighting, and they should be given adequate shaded areas in the aquarium. Otherwise, care requirements are standard.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; stable water conditions prevent stress-related fading. Tank: 150 L tall aquarium; provide shaded areas with floating plants to protect sensitive eyes from bright lighting. Feeding: Quality cichlid pellets, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworm; supplement with colour-enhancing foods to warm the body hue. Breeding: Albino × albino produces 100% albino offspring; the gene is recessive so outcrosses produce carrier fish. Compatibility: Peaceful community cichlid; suits medium-bodied tetras, corydoras, and calm bottom dwellers.