Zebra Angelfish

The Zebra Angelfish is a captive-bred strain of Pterophyllum scalare selectively developed to express additional vertical black stripes beyond the three shown by standard silver angels. A true zebra angel will display four or more bold bars, giving the flanks a densely striped, high-contrast appearance reminiscent of a zebra's pattern.

This increased striping is produced by a specific genetic combination and may vary in expression between individual fish. Specimens with the clearest and most numerous bars are most sought-after. Zebra angels are fully hardy domesticated cichlids suited to standard community aquaria.

Care is identical to other domestic angelfish strains. They make excellent display fish in tall planted tanks where the vertical barring echoes the vertical lines of stem plants and driftwood.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; maintain good circulation and weekly water changes. Tank: 150 L tall aquarium; vertical driftwood and tall stem plants complement the barred patterning beautifully. Feeding: Quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter; feed 2–3 times daily. Breeding: Standard angelfish spawning behaviour; vertical bar intensity often increases during breeding condition. Compatibility: Keep with medium-bodied peaceful community fish; avoid small nano species and fin-nippers.