Skalaride

Skalaride, also known as angelfish, are freshwater angelfish belonging to the family Cichlidae. They are native to the tropical waters of South America, particularly the Amazon basin. Skalaride are popular aquarium fish due to their distinctive body shape, which is laterally compressed and disc-like, resembling a skalar or angel's wing. They possess long, flowing fins, especially the dorsal and anal fins, which further enhance their elegant appearance.

There are several species of skalaride, with the most commonly kept in aquariums being Pterophyllum scalare. These fish are omnivorous and in their natural habitat, they feed on small insects, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Skalaride are known to be peaceful community fish, though they can become territorial when breeding and may nip at smaller or slower-moving fish.

Skalaride are egg-layers and typically breed in pairs. They attach their eggs to a vertical surface, such as a plant leaf or aquarium decor. Both parents participate in guarding the eggs and fry. They are schooling fish when young but tend to form pairs as they mature. Skalaride require a relatively large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and subdued lighting. Water parameters such as temperature, pH, and hardness are important for their well-being, with optimal conditions typically mimicking their native South American waters.