Green Face Pinoy Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Green Face Pinoy Angelfish — Pterophyllum scalare

Iridescent depth with emerald highlights

The Green Face Pinoy Angelfish is a dramatic dark morph accented by vibrant metallic color. The “Pinoy” gene deepens the body into charcoal to near-black tones, while the green-face trait adds intense emerald and teal iridescence across the forehead and gill plates. Under proper lighting, the face appears to glow with shifting green-blue highlights against the darker body, creating a bold yet refined contrast.

Like all Pterophyllum scalare, this variety carries the classic tall, triangular body shape and elongated finnage that gives angelfish their elegant vertical presence. They glide calmly through midwater and pivot with precision among wood and plants. In small groups, they create a layered, high-contrast display that stands out dramatically in planted or dark-background aquariums.

Growing to about 6 inches in body length with significantly taller finnage, they are peaceful for their size but still display typical cichlid hierarchy behavior.

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (75+ gallons recommended for groups)

• Tank Height: Minimum 20 inches tall preferred

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Décor: Driftwood, plants, vertical structure

• Flow: Low to moderate

• Lighting: Moderate (enhances emerald facial shimmer)

• Filtration: Strong but gentle flow

Tank Mates

Best with calm, non-aggressive species:

• Tetras

• Corydoras

• Peaceful plecos

• Eartheaters

• Discus (similar water requirements)

Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Water Quality: Clean and stable conditions preferred

Diet

Omnivorous:

• High-quality flakes or pellets

• Frozen brine shrimp and bloodworms

• Occasional vegetable-based foods