Platinum Angelfish 3cm – Pterophyllum scalare

The Platinum Angelfish 3cm is a beautiful freshwater Angelfish variety featuring striking white-to-silver colouration and a subtle metallic sheen. Its elegant body shape, graceful swimming style and bright appearance make it an attractive addition to a carefully planned tropical aquarium.

These juvenile Platinum Angelfish are approximately 3cm at the time of sale. As they mature, they develop the tall, distinctive body shape and extended fins that make freshwater Angelfish such popular aquarium centrepieces.

A selectively bred colour variety of Pterophyllum scalare, the Platinum Angelfish shares the care requirements of other freshwater Angelfish. Its pale, reflective colouring looks particularly impressive against green aquarium plants, natural driftwood and darker aquarium backgrounds.

Platinum Angelfish at a Glance

• Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
• Common name: Platinum Angelfish
• Sale size: Approximately 3cm
• Adult body length: Up to approximately 15cm, with greater overall height including fins
• Origin: Captive-bred colour variety of a South American species
• Temperament: Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but territorial when breeding
• Temperature: 25–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.4
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard, approximately 0–15 dGH
• Recommended aquarium: Approximately 200 litres or larger for an adult pair, with additional space for groups
• Diet: Omnivore
• Care level: Moderate
• Lifespan: Commonly 8–10 years with suitable care

Beautiful Platinum White Colouration

Platinum Angelfish are admired for their predominantly white or silvery bodies, often displaying a reflective sheen under aquarium lighting. Unlike the familiar striped wild-type Angelfish, this selectively bred variety generally has a cleaner, more uniform appearance.

Their deep, laterally compressed body and elongated dorsal and anal fins create an elegant silhouette as they swim through the aquarium.

Young Platinum Angelfish may still be developing their adult shape and colour intensity. Individual fish can show natural differences in shade, reflectivity and fin development.

Aquarium Setup and Care

Platinum Angelfish thrive in established tropical freshwater aquariums with stable water conditions, reliable filtration and plenty of swimming space.

Although these fish are sold at approximately 3cm, it is important to plan for their adult size. Mature Angelfish can develop bodies around 15cm long and may exceed 20cm in overall height, including their fins.

A tall aquarium with open swimming space, natural driftwood and taller aquarium plants provides an excellent environment. Broad-leaved plants such as Amazon Swords are particularly useful for creating shelter and a natural-looking aquascape.

Gentle to moderate water movement is preferred. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH and water hardness, and maintain water quality through regular aquarium maintenance.

Explore our aquariums and fish tanks, live aquarium plants and aquascaping supplies to help create a suitable setup.

Temperament and Tank Mates

Platinum Angelfish are generally calm compared with many larger cichlids, making them suitable for carefully selected tropical community aquariums.

However, Angelfish are still cichlids and may become territorial as they mature, particularly when forming breeding pairs. Young Angelfish can be raised in groups, but adults need sufficient space and sheltered areas to manage territorial behaviour.

Suitable companions may include peaceful, appropriately sized tetras, compatible Corydoras catfish and other calm tropical fish that prefer similar water conditions.

Avoid aggressive fish and persistent fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs. Very small fish and shrimp may also be eaten as the Angelfish grow.

Browse our tropical freshwater fish and freshwater Angelfish categories for more options.

Feeding Platinum Angelfish

Platinum Angelfish are omnivores and readily accept a varied diet. High-quality tropical flakes, appropriately sized micro pellets and small frozen or live foods are excellent choices for growing juveniles.

Suitable supplemental foods include brine shrimp, daphnia and appropriately sized bloodworms.

Young Angelfish benefit from small, regular feeds to support healthy growth. Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food to help maintain good water quality.

A balanced, varied diet supports healthy growth, strong fin development and overall condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Platinum Angelfish grow?

Adult Platinum Angelfish can reach approximately 15cm in body length, with their extended dorsal and anal fins making them considerably taller. A spacious, tall aquarium is essential for mature fish.

Do Platinum Angelfish stay white?

Platinum Angelfish are selectively bred for their pale white-to-silver colouration. Their appearance may develop as they mature, and subtle differences in colour and reflectivity are normal.

Are Platinum Angelfish peaceful?

They are generally peaceful for a cichlid but can become territorial when forming pairs or breeding. Provide suitable tank mates and adequate swimming space.

Can Platinum Angelfish live with other tropical fish?

Yes. They can live with peaceful, appropriately sized tropical fish that share similar water requirements. Avoid aggressive fin-nippers and very small fish that could be eaten by adult Angelfish.

Are Platinum Angelfish suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. Platinum Angelfish are well suited to planted aquariums. Taller plants, broad leaves and driftwood provide shelter while complementing their bright white-silver colouration.

What should I feed a 3cm Platinum Angelfish?

Juvenile Platinum Angelfish can be fed quality crushed tropical flakes, appropriately sized micro pellets and small frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.

Do Platinum Angelfish need a heater?

Yes. A reliable aquarium heater is recommended to maintain stable tropical temperatures of approximately 25–28°C.

Buy Platinum Angelfish 3cm Online in Australia

Add a beautiful splash of white-silver colour to your aquarium with the Platinum Angelfish 3cm from Aquaholics Online.

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Aquaholics Online supplies freshwater aquarium fish, plants and aquarium accessories to fishkeepers across Australia, with live fish delivery available to eligible locations.

Our Arrive Alive Guarantee

We take every reasonable precaution to ensure your fish arrive safely.

If a fish arrives deceased, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with your order details and clear photos of the affected fish.

Once your claim has been verified, an applicable refund or store credit will be provided in accordance with our Arrive Alive Guarantee and your rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Explore our full range of freshwater Angelfish and live aquarium fish online.