Pterophyllum scalare "Santa Isabel" – The Red-Spotted King of Angelfish
For the ultimate connoisseur of wild-type cichlids, we present the Pterophyllum scalare "Santa Isabel". Sourced from the tea-colored blackwaters of the Rio Negro in Brazil, this is arguably the most spectacular naturally occurring variant of the common angelfish. The "Santa Isabel" is world-renowned for its impressive verticality—reaching heights that rival the true Pterophyllum altum—and its breathtaking "Red Back" coloration. As these fish mature, they develop intense red spotting and a deep wine-red wash across their dorsal area and forehead, contrasted by a shimmering silver body and sharp, dark vertical bars. This is not just a fish; it is a majestic piece of the Amazonian wilderness, offering a level of elegance and rarity that few other species can match.
Pterophyllum scalare "Santa Isabel" Key Features
Iconic Red Pigmentation: Famous for the "Red Back" trait, developing vivid red spots and coloration along the upper body as they mature.
Stunning Altum-like Profile: Possesses an incredibly tall, compressed body with elongated fins, giving them a regal and imposing presence.
Rare Rio Negro Locality: A highly sought-after wild-type strain from the Santa Isabel region, prized for its unique genetics and intense colors.
Intelligent & Majestic: Known for their graceful swimming patterns and complex social interactions within a group.
Premium Collector’s Item: One of the most prestigious angelfish varieties available in the hobby today.
Pterophyllum scalare "Santa Isabel" Care Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 55-gallon "tall" tank for a pair, but a 75–100 gallon tank is highly recommended for a group to accommodate their significant vertical height.
Water Temperature: 78–84°F (26–29°C)
pH Range: 5.0–6.8 (Thrives in soft, acidic blackwater conditions with plenty of tannins).
Diet: Omnivorous. They appreciate a high-quality variety of flakes and pellets, but regular feedings of frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis) are essential to bring out their best red coloration.
Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful South American species. Ideal companions include Discus, larger Tetras (Rummy Nose, Bleeding Heart), Corydoras, and peaceful Geophagus. Avoid very small fish that may be seen as prey.
Why Choose Our Pterophyllum scalare "Santa Isabel"?
At Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC, we handle our Santa Isabel specimens with the utmost care. Given their wild heritage, we ensure they are meticulously acclimated, quarantined, and feeding strongly on a variety of foods before they are shipped. We take pride in providing robust, healthy examples of this incredible regional variant.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
We ship our premium Santa Isabel Angelfish nationwide with specialized packaging to ensure a safe journey. Every order is backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee for a worry-free experience.
