Platinum Angelfish

The Platinum Angelfish is a captive strain carrying the platinum locus mutation, which suppresses all melanin pigmentation to produce a nearly pure white to bright metallic-silver body. In good specimens, a brilliant mirror-like reflectivity is visible across the flanks, giving the fish its characteristically 'lit-from-within' platinum appearance.

Platinum can be combined with the gold gene or other colour loci to produce compound phenotypes such as platinum gold (nearly white with a slight warm hue). The platinum gene is recessive, meaning producing true platinum fish requires pairing two platinum-carrying individuals.

This is an established, reliable captive strain well-suited to aquarists who appreciate understated elegance over bold patterning. Platinum angels are fully domesticated and require no special care beyond standard angelfish husbandry.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; excellent water quality enhances the metallic sheen. Tank: 150 L tall aquarium; dark background maximises the contrast of the white-platinum body. Feeding: Balanced diet of cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and vegetable flake; feed 2–3 times daily. Breeding: Breeds as per standard angelfish; platinum × platinum pairings produce 100% platinum offspring. Compatibility: Ideal community cichlid with medium-bodied tetras, corydoras, and peaceful bottom dwellers.