Albino Red Eye Angel

Albino Red Eye Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a striking and unique variant of the common angelfish, known for its bright white or silver body and distinctive red eyes. This eye-catching combination makes it a highly sought-after fish in the aquarium trade. Like other angelfish, the Albino Red Eye Angelfish is native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon River Basin in South America. It is admired not only for its appearance but also for its peaceful temperament, making it an excellent choice for community tanks.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Albino Red Eye Angelfish typically grow to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in height from top fin to bottom fin, and about 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) in length. Their tall, triangular body shape is characteristic of all angelfish.
• Coloration: The defining feature of the Albino Red Eye Angelfish is its pale, almost translucent white or silver body, which lacks the pigmentation seen in other angelfish varieties. The albino trait gives this fish a soft, glowing appearance under aquarium lighting. Their eyes are bright red, a striking contrast to their pale bodies.
• Fins: They have long, flowing fins that enhance their graceful appearance. These fins are delicate and may be prone to damage from aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates, so choosing compatible species is important.

Behaviour:

• Temperament: Albino Red Eye Angelfish are generally peaceful, although they can display territorial behaviour, especially during breeding. They tend to be more docile when kept in groups, but they may become aggressive toward smaller fish or when stressed.
• Social Behaviour: These fish thrive in groups of 5-6 individuals, where they can establish a social hierarchy. They are best suited for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish, provided that the other species are not small enough to be seen as prey.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: Due to their height and need for swimming space, Albino Red Eye Angelfish require a tank of at least 150 litres (40 gallons). Taller tanks are preferable to accommodate their vertical swimming range and long fins.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Albino Red Eye Angelfish thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
  • pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is ideal, with a general hardness (GH) of 3-8 dGH.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Plants: A soft, sandy substrate works well for Albino Red Eye Angelfish, as it allows them to glide gracefully through the water. Live plants such as Amazon swords, Java ferns, and Vallisneria provide natural hiding spots and replicate their native environment.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient to highlight their pale coloration and enhance the visibility of their bright red eyes. Subdued or indirect lighting is ideal to reduce stress.
• Filtration: A gentle but efficient filtration system is essential to maintain clean water, as Albino Red Eye Angelfish prefer calm waters. The water flow should not be too strong, as they are not strong swimmers and thrive in slow-moving environments.

Diet:

Albino Red Eye Angelfish are omnivorous and require a varied diet to maintain their health and vibrant appearance. Their diet should include:

• Pellets or Flakes: High-quality angelfish flakes or pellets formulated for cichlids make up a good staple diet.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Protein-rich foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae can be offered regularly. These foods help support their growth and enhance their coloration.
• Vegetables: Occasionally include plant-based foods like spirulina or blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) to ensure balanced nutrition.

It is best to feed them small portions 2-3 times daily to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Tankmates:

Albino Red Eye Angelfish are peaceful and can be housed with other non-aggressive fish species. Suitable tankmates include:

• Tetras (larger species like black skirt or cardinal tetras)
• Corydoras catfish
• Plecos
• Gourami
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs, as they can damage the angelfish's delicate fins. Similarly, avoid housing them with very small fish that could be seen as prey.

Breeding:

Breeding Albino Red Eye Angelfish in captivity is possible, and they follow the typical breeding behaviour of angelfish:

• Pair Formation: Albino Red Eye Angelfish form monogamous pairs and can become territorial when ready to breed. A bonded pair will select a flat surface, such as a broad leaf or the side of the aquarium, to lay their eggs.
• Egg Laying: The female lays rows of eggs, which the male fertilizes. Both parents will guard the eggs, fanning them with their fins to keep them clean and oxygenated.
• Raising Fry: Once the fry hatch, they can be fed with baby brine shrimp or specialized fry food. The parents may continue to guard the fry for a short period after hatching, but the fry should be separated into a nursery tank to increase their survival rate.

Special Considerations:

• Fin Health: Due to their long fins, Albino Red Eye Angelfish can be prone to fin rot or damage if kept in poor water conditions or with aggressive fish. Maintaining good water quality through regular water changes and monitoring tankmates for compatibility is essential.
• Stress and Sensitivity: As an albino variant, these fish can be more sensitive to light and stress than other angelfish. Providing a calm, well-planted environment with soft lighting helps reduce stress and keep them healthy.