Our Guide To Keeping Red Devil Angelfish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare (Red Devil variant)
- Common name: Red Devil Angelfish
- Family: Cichlidae
- Origin: Captive-bred variant, originally from Amazon River Basin in South America
- Adult length: 15 cm
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
- Diet: Omnivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
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Tank Setup:
- Red Devil Angelfish do best in tall aquariums with vertical swimming space. A minimum of 110L is ideal for a pair or small group.
- Decorate the tank with driftwood, smooth rocks, and tall aquatic plants like Vallisneria or Amazon Sword to mimic natural cover.
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Water Parameters:
- They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Maintain a temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- Provide a gentle to moderate water flow with a high-quality filter. Avoid strong currents to keep them comfortable.
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Diet:
- Red Devil Angelfish will eat a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen fare.
- Include treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia for vibrant color and health.
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Tank mates:
- Choose peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size. Avoid small species that could be seen as prey.
- Suitable tank mates include larger tetras, rainbowfish, peaceful cichlids, and catfish like Corydoras.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- They are social but can become territorial, particularly when breeding or in small groups.
- Keep in a group of 5+ to spread aggression or pair them off for breeding.