Manacapuru Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare var. Manacapuru)

Manacapuru Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare var. Manacapuru)

Manacapuru Angelfish are a stunning angelfish variety prized for their elegant body shape, extended finnage, and beautiful red-orange coloration across the upper body and shoulder area. They are especially admired for their graceful appearance and more natural, high-end look compared to many common domestic angelfish strains. In the right aquarium, they become a true centerpiece fish and bring both beauty and personality to the tank.

At Legacy Line Aquatics, these fish are raised in a small-scale, care-first setup. My focus is on healthy fish, clean systems, proper nutrition, and attentive day-to-day care, so you receive fish I’d be confident keeping in my own fish room.

Why Hobbyists Love Manacapuru Angelfish

• Elegant body shape and long, flowing finnage
• Beautiful red-orange coloration that becomes more impressive with age and condition
• A more natural and unique angelfish look than many common strains
• Great centerpiece fish for planted and community aquariums
• Classic angelfish personality with a more refined appearance

Temperament & Behavior

Manacapuru Angelfish are generally semi-peaceful cichlids with a lot of personality. Like other angelfish, they do well in carefully planned community aquariums, but they can become more territorial as they mature, especially once pairs form or breeding behavior begins. They are best kept with tank mates that are peaceful, not overly fin-nippy, and large enough not to be viewed as food.

They do best in tanks with:

• Vertical structure from plants, driftwood, or décor
• Open swimming space
• Gentle to moderate flow
• Stable water quality and temperature
• Taller aquarium dimensions preferred over shallow setups

Tank Size (Recommended)

• Pair (long term): 29–30 gallons+ recommended
• Small group of juveniles: 40 breeder / 55 gallon+ preferred
• Adult group or mixed angelfish community: 75 gallons+ strongly recommended to reduce aggression and crowding

Water Temperature

• Ideal range: 78–82°F
• Many hobbyists keep them around 79–80°F
• Stable temperature is more important than chasing an exact number

Tank Mates (Good Choices)

Best tank mates are peaceful to semi-peaceful fish that are not fin nippers and are too large to be eaten by adult angelfish.

Good tank mates may include:

• Corydoras in appropriately sized and planned setups
• Larger peaceful tetras
• Peaceful rainbowfish
• Bristlenose plecos
• Bolivian Rams in the right setup
• Other calm tropical community fish with similar care requirements

Avoid:

• Fin-nipping fish
• Highly aggressive cichlids
• Very small fish that may be viewed as food
• Overly boisterous fish that constantly stress them

Feeding

Manacapuru Angelfish thrive on a varied diet. A rotation of quality foods helps support color, finnage, growth, body condition, and overall health.

Recommended foods:

• High-quality flakes and pellets
• Frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms in moderation
• Live foods when available
• Other quality prepared foods as part of a varied diet

What You’re Getting from Legacy Line Aquatics

When you purchase from me, you’re getting fish raised in a small-scale setup where care and condition matter. I focus on:

• Fish health
• Clean systems
• Proper feeding, mixture of high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, live foods, and other appropriate foods
• Careful day-to-day observation
• Strong overall condition

That matters, especially with angelfish.

Local Delivery

• Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
• $150 minimum order is required for delivery
• $25 delivery fee applies

Local Meet-Up

• Local meet-up is available.
• After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
• We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet.

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA policy before ordering.