Zebra Mosaic Angel

fish description – Zebra Mosaic Angelfish Care Guide ($Pterophyllum\ scalare$ ‘Zebra Mosaic’ Strain)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Pterophyllum\ scalare$ (‘Zebra Mosaic’ Strain)
Common Name	Zebra Mosaic Angel, Silver Zebra Angelfish
Origin	Amazon River Basin (Selectively Bred Strain)
Adult Size	6 inches long; 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in height (fin-tip to fin-tip)
Temperament	Peaceful but territorial, semi-aggressive when breeding
Lifespan	8–12 years
Care Level	Moderate (primarily due to size and potential aggression)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: This fish maintains the classic, very tall, triangular angelfish shape. Its body is marked with 4–6 or more distinct vertical black stripes (the Zebra trait) and often has patches of iridescent blue, silver, or gold pigments (the Mosaic trait).
• Coloration: Varies, typically a pale/silver base with bold, evenly spaced vertical stripes and random patches of color in the spaces between the stripes. Males are slightly larger, often develop a subtle nuchal hump (forehead slope), and have a pointed breeding tube. Females are rounder-bodied, especially when carrying eggs.
• Fins: Long, flowing fins (though shorter than Veiltail strains). Fins should be smooth and intact.
• Behavior: A graceful, mid-to-upper level swimmer that is gregarious but will establish a hierarchy. Mated pairs become intensely territorial and aggressive when guarding a spawning site.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) is highly recommended for a group of adults. The tank must be tall (20 inches minimum) to accommodate their height.
• Schooling: Best kept in a group of 4–6 juveniles or sub-adults to allow pairs to form naturally and distribute aggression.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $76^\circ$–$84^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–$29^\circ\mathrm{C})$ (ideal $78^\circ$–$82^\circ\text{F}$). Stability is important.
• pH Level: Highly adaptable: 6.5 to 7.8. They accept a wide range of water hardness but require pristine water quality. Gentle filtration that avoids strong currents is best.
• Aquascape: Requires tall, broad-leaf plants (e.g., Amazon Swords) and tall driftwood arranged vertically to provide visual breaks and potential spawning sites (vertical flat surfaces). Provide fine or smooth gravel substrate. Gentle water flow is preferred.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Zebra Mosaic Angelfish is an omnivore with a preference for animal proteins.

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake food and sinking pellets formulated for omnivorous cichlids.
• Supplementation: A varied diet is essential for color and health. Offer frozen or live foods regularly: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, and occasional vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched zucchini).
• Schedule: Feed small portions once or twice a day. They are slow, methodical eaters and should be monitored to ensure they receive their full meal.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Peaceful but opportunistic feeders—will consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouth (e.g., Neon Tetras, micro rasboras, shrimp fry). Avoid all fin-nipping fish (e.g., Tiger Barbs). Mated pairs become highly aggressive toward all tank mates during breeding.
• Good Tank Mates: Larger, peaceful Tetras (Rummy Nose, Congo, Black Skirt), Rainbowfish, Gouramis (Pearl, Moonlight), and bottom-dwellers like Corydoras catfish and Bristlenose Plecos.