Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Pterophyllum leopoldi, sometimes known as Leopold’s Angelfish, is a benthopelagic freshwater species found along the Solimoes Amazon River between Manacapuru and Santarem, and in Guyana’s Essequibo River drainage.
PH: 6.0 – 8.0
Temperature: 21°C – 26C (70 – 79F)
Hardness: 6 – 16 dH
Description: Pterophyllum leopoldi can reach a maximum length of 5 – 6 cm. It differs from other Pterophyllums because it has a black splotch at the dorsal insertion on the fourth vertical bar, and doesn’t have a pre-dorsal notch. Males are generally larger than females. This slender, large-scaled species can live from 5 – 10 years.
Diet: Pterophyllum leopoldi is a greedy feeder that will accept any flake and pellet foods. You should offer it regular servings of brine shrimp, bloodworms and Tetra Red to maintain its health.
Breeding: Leopold’s Angelfish will choose a spawning site – usually the tank glass or some slate leant against the sides – and the adult pair will clean the space. The female will lay her eggs and the male will promptly fertilise them. It takes a few days before the eggs hatch; the fry will be swimming freely one week later. The fry should be fed small quantities of food at regular intervals. Pterophyllum leopoldi is best bred in a one-species tank; it can become territorial during breeding.
Comments: You should tank Leopold’s Angelfish in no less than 35 gallons. Angelfish will feel comfortable in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible, so add plenty of plants to your tank. Keep the water flow gentle and be careful with the water parameters. You can add rocks, roots and bogwood to create hiding spaces, but don’t forget to allow this species plenty of swimming space. Pterophyllum leopoldi is easy to look after and is suitable for newcomers to the hobby.
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Recommended Compatible Species: They will live happily with most large Tetra species. They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
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