10 Types of Angelfish for Stunning Freshwater Aquariums Discover vibrant angelfish varieties and their aquarium care tips. By Shirlie Sharpe Shirlie Sharpe Shirlie Sharpe is an aquatic expert and writer with over three decades of experience keeping and raising ornamental fish. She has consulted with The Minnesota Zoo and the National Aquarium. Shirlie has also authored a book on setting up aquariums. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 05/24/25 Reviewed by Nick Saint-Erne Reviewed by Nick Saint-Erne Dr. Nick Saint-Erne, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian and writer who has treated zoo animals and exotic pets for more than 35 years. He has worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve pet store animal care among other endeavors. Dr. Saint-Erne is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Key Takeaways There are three main species of freshwater angelfish: P. scalare, P. leopoldi, and P. altum. Most domestic varieties are derived from P. scalare.Angelfish varieties differ in size, coloration, and markings, ranging from the basic silver angelfish to the more elaborate black lace and altum angelfish.Proper care for angelfish includes accommodating their size in a large tank and ensuring water conditions meet their preference for warmer, soft water. Tall, pointed fins and distinctive scale markings give the angelfish its signature look. Varieties of this fish are among the most popular choices for freshwater aquariums. With marbled patterns, stripes, spots, and all-white albinos, there are many types of angelfish to choose from. What is an Angelfish? Angelfish are a type of cichlid fish found throughout the Amazon River system and in several South American countries. Their unique appearance comes from their long fins, which flow gracefully as they swim. Varieties are typically identified by different stripes or markings. The group of freshwater angelfish consists of three native species in the genus Pterophyllum: P. scalare, P. leopoldi, and P. altum. Those sold as domestic aquarium pets are usually varieties of the P. scalare species, though they can be hard to identify genetically, as they readily cross-breed with P. altum. Fun Fact Domestic freshwater angelfish are the result of many years of selective breeding for traits like body color, stripes, spots, marbled color (orange and black), and operculum (gill cover) pigmentation. 01 of 10 Silver Angelfish Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Silver angelfish have long been central to the freshwater angelfish trade. This color variation most closely resembles the "wild type" of the species, _P. scalare_. They are hardy and among the easiest angelfish to care for. The three vertical black bands can fade or darken depending on the fish's mood. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inches (10 inches wild maximum)Physical Characteristics: Silver body with red eyes; three main dark black bands—one through the eye and two more through the body 02 of 10 Zebra Angelfish Credit: MATTHIASRABBIONE / Getty Images This interesting variety is called a zebra angelfish. The presence of four to six bands distinguishes it from the silver angelfish, which has only three bands. A red eye in angelfish indicates full maturity and good health, though not all varieties develop a red eye. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: A total of four bands; one through the eye and three to five more on the body 03 of 10 Koi Angelfish Credit: Visa Kopu / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Koi angelfish are bred to resemble Japanese koi, with a white body and black and orange/red patches. Young fish may have a red hue below the eyes that fades with age. The amount of orange varies with the fish's stress level, darkening under higher stress. The koi variety is similar to the gold marble variety but lacks stripes. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: White with mottled black coloration; varying amounts of orange on the head, depending on the selected genes; black marbling varies from 5% to 40% coverage 04 of 10 Black Lace Angelfish Credit: ivandan / Getty Images The black lace variation is a silver or zebra angelfish with extra black genes. It has a black color with flowing, lacy fins and is considered one of the most attractive angelfish. The lace angelfish was first bred in the 1950s. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: A very dark fish with an elegant lace pattern to the fins Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 Golden Angelfish Credit: I love Photo and Apple / Getty Images In the late 1960s, an angelfish breeder in Milwaukee discovered an oddly colored fry among black lace angels. The recessive gene in this fish eventually produced the naja gold, the first gold angelfish in the aquarium trade. Golden angels are now relatively common and are cross-bred with other varieties to create uniquely colored specimens. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: A light golden body with a darker yellow or orange hue on the crown 06 of 10 Blushing Angelfish Credit: The Spruce / Lucy Arnold In these angelfish, the blushing gene is prominent. "Blushing" refers to a lack of pigmentation on the gill cover (operculum), allowing the red color of the gills to show through. Many other color variations include the blushing gene, but "blushing angels" typically have no dusky markings or bands. Their only coloration is under their transparent cheeks. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Silver or white in color, blood-colored cheeks 07 of 10 Marble Angelfish Credit: Ali B. / Getty Images There are many color variations that include genes for color marbling—a mottled arrangement of coloring that forms a unique pattern in every fish. The classic marble angelfish will show the distinctive marbling on the body, coupled with banding on the fins. This specimen has a dash of gold thrown in, making it particularly attractive. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Unique marbled body of black, white, and gold 08 of 10 Golden Marble Angelfish Credit: culbertson / Getty Images Marbled angels show a wide range of marbling in the color markings—no two fish will be exactly alike. Gold marbles are often considered a subtype of koi angelfish. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Gold patches alongside unique marbled patterns Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 Half-Black Angelfish Credit: Lai Hangyu / EyeEm / Getty Images Known as a half-black angelfish, this type has been around for well over a half-century. The caudal part of the body is black, rather than just having a black band. Additional color traits, such as marbling or blushing, are sometimes also seen. Half-black angelfish can be challenging to breed. Species Overview Length: Up to 6 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Silver in color with a darker rear portion 10 of 10 Altum Angelfish Credit: Jerry Young / Getty Images Pterophyllum altum, more simply known as the altum angelfish, is not commonly seen in the aquarium trade. It is larger, deeper, and flatter than the common species, P. scalare, and all of the cross-bred hybrids. Altum angelfish are more sensitive to changes in water conditions, and they require larger, deeper tanks. Species Overview Length: Up to 7 inches long and 9 inches tallPhysical Characteristics: Silver body, with brown or black vertical bands; body shape stretched vertically, with height being longer than the length Whichever angelfish you choose to add to your aquarium, be sure they are in a large enough tank to accommodate their full size and any other fish you may add with them. They prefer warmer, soft water, so make sure that suits the other aquarium inhabitants as well. 25 Small Fish Species Perfect for Your Freshwater Aquarium Explore more: Fish & Aquariums Freshwater Fish & Aquariums Freshwater Fish Breeds