Ikan Manfish: Angelfish Care, Tank Height & Tank Mates in Malaysia
Ikan manfish is what most Malaysian shops call the freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). It's an easy fish for Malaysian homes because it likes warm water, but it needs a tall tank (at least 45 cm high, so a 3-kaki 90×45×45 cm tank for a pair), calm tank mates that are too big to swallow, and regular water changes. The cute 3 cm juvenile in the shop will grow into a fish roughly the size of your palm, with fins that can make it taller than it is long.
Angelfish Care Sheet
| Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Adult size | Body about 15 cm; up to about 20–25 cm tall including fins |
| Tank | 3 kaki (90×45×45 cm, ~155 L) for a pair or 4–5 juveniles; 4 kaki for a group |
| Minimum height | About 45 cm water depth |
| Temperature | 26–30°C; Malaysian room temperature suits them |
| Water | Treated tap water; soft to moderate, pH about 6.5–7.5 |
| Diet | Cichlid or tropical pellets, flakes, bloodworm, artemia |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive; territorial when pairing |
| Beginner-friendly? | Yes, in a big enough tank |
Why Tank Height Matters
Angelfish are laterally flattened and tall, an adaptation for weaving through reeds and roots in South American rivers. In a shallow tank, adult fins tear on decor and the fish can't turn comfortably. Look at height, not just length:
| Tank (kaki) | Typical size (L×W×H) | Suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kaki standard | 60×30×36 cm | Juveniles only, short term |
| 2 kaki deep | 60×45×45 cm | 1 pair at a push |
| 3 kaki | 90×45×45 cm | 1 pair, or 4–5 juveniles growing up |
| 3 kaki tall | 90×45×60 cm | Ideal for a pair, plus community fish |
| 4 kaki | 120×45×50 cm | Small group of 5–6 adults |
For dimensions and weight, see our aquarium tank size guide. A 3-kaki tank full of water is heavy, so use a proper cabinet.
Ikan Manfish Varieties in Malaysia
Ikan manfish platinum
Solid shimmering white with no stripes. One of the most popular varieties in Malaysian shops; often priced higher than standard silvers.
Koi angelfish
White and orange-gold base with black marbling, a pattern that reminds people of koi. Colour can vary as the fish grows.
Marble, zebra, black and gold
Marble has irregular black patches; zebra has extra vertical bars; black and gold are solid colours. Veil forms have extra-long fins that look beautiful but tear more easily and are slower at feeding time.
Altum angelfish (Pterophyllum altum)
The altum is a different, taller species from the Orinoco and upper Rio Negro. It needs very soft, acidic, clean water and a tank of 60 cm height or more. Altums are more delicate and pricier, so they're best for experienced keepers.
Browse the current range on our angelfish listings.
Water and Temperature
Angelfish are well suited to Malaysian room temperature (about 26–31°C). You don't need a heater. In hot spells, add an air pump for oxygen and keep the tank out of direct sunlight.
Treat tap water with anti klorin every time. Domestic angelfish adapt to a fairly wide pH range; soft Malaysian tap water suits them, but low KH means pH can drop if you skip water changes. Change 25–30% weekly.
What Do Angelfish Eat?
Angelfish are omnivores that lean towards meaty food.
- Staple: quality cichlid or tropical pellets and flakes
- Treats: cacing darah (bloodworm), artemia, mysis
- Frequency: once or twice a day, what they finish in about two minutes
Find pellets under food for tropical fishes. Don't feed live feeder fish; they bring in disease and teach angelfish to hunt.
Tank Mates: The Neon Problem
Adult angelfish are predators of anything that fits in their mouths. Neon tetras, chili rasboras and baby guppies are snacks to a full-grown angelfish. If you want both, add the angelfish as small juveniles together with an established school of larger tetras, and accept some risk.
| Good tank mates | Risky / avoid |
|---|---|
| Corydoras (bottom-dwelling, peaceful) | Neon tetras and other tiny fish (eaten) |
| Bristlenose pleco | Tiger barbs (fin nippers) |
| Larger tetras such as black skirt or lemon | Fast, nippy danios in small tanks |
| Pearl and moonlight gouramis | Aggressive cichlids |
| Rams, in large tanks | Goldfish (different needs) |
| Discus (similar needs, warmer, cleaner water) | Bettas (long fins get nipped, and vice versa) |
Corydoras are a classic match. Our tiger barb guide explains why barbs and angelfish rarely work.
Aggression and Pairing
Young angelfish shoal peacefully. As they mature, a pair forms and claims a territory, often around a broad leaf, slate or the tank glass. The pair may chase other fish away. In a 3-kaki tank with a breeding pair, it's often best to move extra angelfish out.
Breeding basics
Pairs lay rows of eggs on a flat vertical surface and guard them. First-time parents often eat their eggs; that's normal and usually improves after a few spawns. Telling male from female is hard until they spawn: the female's breeding tube is broader and blunter.
Buying Ikan Manfish on FishyHub
Check each listing for:
- Size: "coin size" juveniles are cheaper but need months to grow
- Real photo or representative photo
- Seller location and delivery or self-collect options
- Health: fins upright, no white spots, eating well
Buy several juveniles at once if you want a pair later. See all angelfish, discus, rams and cichlids to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ikan manfish makan apa?
Ikan manfish makan pelet atau flake ikan tropika sebagai makanan utama, dan cacing darah atau artemia sebagai makanan tambahan. Beri makan sekali atau dua kali sehari dalam jumlah yang habis dalam dua minit.
Ikan manfish boleh campur dengan ikan apa?
Ikan manfish sesuai dicampur dengan corydoras, ikan bandaraya kecil seperti bristlenose, tetra bersaiz sederhana dan gourami yang tenang. Elakkan ikan kecil seperti tetra neon kerana ia boleh dimakan, dan ikan sumatra yang suka gigit sirip.
How big does an angelfish get?
Domestic angelfish reach about 15 cm body length, and with fins they can stand 20 cm or taller. Plan the tank for the adult size.
Do angelfish need a heater in Malaysia?
No. They like 26–30°C, which matches most Malaysian homes. Use an air pump in heatwaves.
Can I keep one angelfish alone?
Yes. A single angelfish in a community tank is often calmer than a group that is starting to pair off.
Shop angelfish from Malaysian sellers on FishyHub, and read our neon tetra guide before mixing small fish with them.