Pterophyllum leopoldi

28. January 2014

This is the third commonly accepted species of angelfish. The two other species are Pterophyllum altum and P. scalare. However, traditionally P. leopoldi is named “Dumerili” in hobby and trade, but P. dumerili is a synonym of P. scalare.

P. leopoldi originates from Brazil. Here it lives syntopically with P. scalare. P. leopoldi always swims with a characteristic “head-up” position, which reminds one very much of the flag cichlids of the genus Mesonauta. In fact, the genera Mesonauta and Pterophyllum are close realtives to each other. This typical swimming position even led to an anatomical detail: the lower filament of the caudal fin is always longer than the upper filament in P. leopoldi. This feature can be even used for determination!

We are able to offer once more wild collected specimens of P. leopoldi. The species attains a maximum length of about 15 cm. Regarding the keeping conditions: there are no major differences compared to that of the common angelfish, P. scalare.

For our customers: the fish have code 699003 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Brasilien / Brazil