Angelfish Question

[crtc_01]

Is there much difference between the types of angelfish (Pterophyllum sp)? They have platinum and blue angelfish that are around $20 for 1"to 2" or the other varieties, Gold, Marble, Black etc.. for $8 and the same size? Does any one have a personal preference?

 

[ghyti]

There are 3 different Pterophyllumspecies, Pterophyllum Altum, Pterophyllum Leopoldi and Pterophyllum Scalare. All the ones you mentioned are Pterophyllum Scalare and there is no difference between them other than the genes that give them their color or fin type.
The price difference is based on supply and demand. That shop apparently doesn't have many blue and platinum ones and has plenty of the others.

 

[sinibotia]

Unless they are specifically labelled as "altum angels" (and they'll have a crazy price tag to match), all angelfish in the aquarium trade are MOSTLY scalare. It's likely that they're technically a hybrid of mostly-scalare with a trace of altum.

Get whatever kind you like. Do some research, as some kinds are less sturdy than others. For example my redhead kois have been worry-free, while my panda kois have the albino gene which tends to make fish weak and I've had lots of problems with constipation and bloat in this pair.