Marble Veiltail Angelfish 101: The Ultimate Care Guide

Marble Veiltail Angelfish are crossbreeds of two different species of Angelfish, the Marble Veiltail Angelfish, and the Veiltail Angelfish.

These beautiful fish display a brilliant combination of yellow and white stripes along with a long flowing tail that makes them particularly eye-catching.

And in this article, I’ll walk you step by step through what you need to know about caring for your own Marble Veiltail Angelfish from selecting the right tank to feeding and breeding.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Summary

Common Names	Marble Veiltail Angelfish
Scientific Name	Pterophyllum scalare
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Actinopterygii
Order	Perciformes
Family	Cichlidae
Genus	Pterophyllum
Species	Pterophyllum scalare
Origin	South America (Amazon River Basin)
Color	The marble pattern on the body can range from black and white to brown and yellow. Fins can be transparent or have a yellowish or reddish tint.
Size	Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length
Lifespan	Up to 10 years in captivity
pH Level	6.0-7.5
Water Temperature	75-82°F (24-28°C)
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard
Water Type	Freshwater
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons for a single adult, larger for a group or community tank
Care Level	Moderate
Compatibility	Can get along with peaceful fish of similar size and temperament but can aggressive to aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish History

The Marble Veiltail Angelfish is a product of selective breeding, which crosses two popular fish breeds: the Marble Angelfish and the Veiltail Angelfish.

The breeders aimed to produce a fish the same size and shape as the Marble Angelfish but with the coloration pattern and graceful, sweeping tail of the Veiltail Angelfish.

And the result is this stunning hybrid that has become one of the most sought-after freshwater aquarium fish in recent times.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Origin & Habitat

Since the Marble Veiltail Angelfish is a hybrid fish created through selective breeding, it has no natural origin in the wild.

The fish is a hybrid of Marble Angels and Veiltail Angels.

Marble Angels come from South America, while Veiltail Angels are a variety of standard angelfish with long, flowing fins that the breeders developed in the aquarium hobby.

So, the habitat for these guys should mimic the conditions that their wild ancestors thrive in, like soft, slightly acidic water with moderate currents and plenty of hiding places.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Behavior

The Marble Veiltail Angelfish is a peaceful and friendly fish that you can house with other peaceful fish species in a community aquarium.

But, like all fish, they do have their own unique behaviors and characteristics.

One common behavior of the Marble Veiltail Angelfish is their tendency to swim towards the surface of the water.

This behavior is known as “top-dwelling” and is a unique behavior of many angelfish species.

They may also swim up to the front of the aquarium to greet their owners, especially if you are used to feeding them at a certain time.

Another behavior of these buddies is their territorial nature towards other angelfish species.

If they ever feel that other fish is trying to invade their space, they will become aggressive and try to establish their territory by chasing away the intruder.

In fact, I once housed them with a group of pygmy angelfish and it was like a scene right out of a bad Western movie!

They kept chasing each other back and forth, trying to establish their own territories, and I had to separate them.

What Are the Features of Marble Veiltail Angelfish?

1. Appearance

As I said before, the Marble Veiltail Angelfish has inherited its physical traits from both of its parent species: the Marble Angelfish and the Veiltail Angelfish.

So, the Marble Veiltail Angelfish has a distinctive, elongated body shape with long, flowing fins that give it a graceful and majestic appearance.

Its fins are also longer than those of a standard angelfish, and they have a delicate, almost ethereal quality to them.

And the coloration of this cutie is also striking and varied.

It has a marbled pattern that consists of shades of black, white, gray, and silver, with patches of color that resemble marble. These patterns can vary from fish to fish, making each one unique.

2. Body Size

The Marble Veiltail Angelfish is a large angelfish variety that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

But of course, this size can vary depending on how well you take care of them and the size of their tank.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Lifespan

Marble Veiltail Angelfish have a lifespan of between 5-10 years, depending on the care that they receive and their living conditions.

Actually, I had a Marble Veiltail Angelfish that lived for over 10 years, so they can last even longer if you take care of them properly.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Life Cycle

1. Egg Stage

This is the first stage in the life cycle of the Marble Veiltail Angelfish.

The female will lay a pale yellow color and are about the size of pinhead eggs on a flat surface, such as a broad leaf or a rock.

Depending on the mummy’s age and health, it will lay anywhere from 100 to 1,000 eggs.

After laying the eggs, the male angelfish will fertilize the eggs by releasing his sperm over them.

Then the eggs will develop on their own, as the parents do not provide any care for the eggs.

This stage usually lasts for 2-5 days depending on the water temperature.

2. Larval Stage

At this stage, the eggs hatch into larval fish, which are very small and transparent, but they are still not able to swim freely.

They stay attached to the surface where they consume the remaining yolk sac as their main source of nutrition until their mouth and gills are fully formed.

Within 3-7 days, they will reach the fry stage and start swimming freely.

3. Fry Stage

Now, the larval fish have grown larger and have started to swim freely.

At this point, they will begin to feed on small amounts of live food, such as newly hatched brine shrimp or micro worms.

These lovely babies will also start to develop their distinctive body shape and finnage, which includes their long, flowing fins that are characteristic of the Veiltail Angelfish parent.

Depending on several factors, such as water temperature, food availability, and genetics, the duration of the fry stage can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

4. Juvenile Stage

Our baby marbles have now reached the juvenile stage, which is when they have grown larger and stronger, and their distinctive body shape and finnage have fully developed.

During the juvenile stage, the Marble Veiltail Angelfish will start to eat a wider variety of foods, including flakes and pellets.

They will also become more active and curious, exploring their environment and interacting with other fish in the aquarium.

According to their genetics and health, these guys can take several months to a year before they enter the adult stage.

5. Adult Stage

Finally, your angelfish has reached the adult stage.

At this point, they will have developed their full coloration and size, and they are ready to reproduce.

The females are now able to lay eggs and the males are able to fertilize them.

After that, they will start the cycle all over again of those beautiful baby marbles.

Are Marble Veiltail Angelfish Hardy?

Marble Veiltail Angelfish are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

But, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do regular water changes and maintain a healthy environment for them.

You should still strive to keep the water clean and provide your fish with good quality food, as this will help them stay healthy and extend their lifespan.

How to Care for Marble Veiltail Angelfish?

a.Water Requirements

1. Water Quality

Being a robust fish doesn’t mean that you can turn a blind eye to water quality.

Like any other fish, Marble Veiltail Angelfish require clean water to thrive.

As a general rule, you should make water changes of 10-20% every 1-2 weeks to help keep toxins levels such as ammonia and nitrite at bay.

These toxins levels arise when the fish poop and uneaten food decompose in the water, resulting in an unhealthy environment for your fish.

To ensure that the aquarium is free from toxins, you can test your water regularly with a quality testing kit such as the API Freshwater Master Test Kit.

Also, an aquarium filter can help you keep the water clean by circulating it and trapping debris and waste before it has a chance to decompose.

2. Water Temperature

Marble Veiltail Angelfish need a water temperature that is similar to their ancestors’ habitat in the Amazon basin, which is between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24-28 Celsius) to thrive.

Any sudden or drastic changes in temperature can cause stress to your fish, which may enter them into a state of shock and, in some cases, lead to death.

In addition, too low or too high temperatures will also increase their susceptibility to illnesses.

This is because the fish metabolism slows down at colder temperatures and bacteria can multiply more quickly in warmer ones.

For example, at temperatures below 65° F (18° C), fish can become lethargic, their immune systems will be weakened, and they may even develop diseases such as Ich.

To control the water temperature, you can use a reliable aquarium heater with a built-in thermometer.

But, you should always check the thermometer on a daily basis to ensure that it is still reading accurately.

3. pH Level

When it comes to pH levels, Marble Veiltail Angelfish prefer a slightly acidic to neutral water range of 6.5-7.5.

The extreme pH ranges can be detrimental to the health of your angelfish, as it will disrupt their internal organs and make them more susceptible to diseases.

For example, too acidic water can cause skin irritation and gill damage, while too alkaline water can weaken the immune system and cause digestive problems.

That’s why you should check your aquarium’s pH level regularly with a reliable testing kit.

I prefer to use a digital pH test meter as it is more accurate and easier to use than a traditional liquid testing kit.

I just dip the probe in the water and it will show me the exact pH level.

4. Water Hardness

Water hardness is determined by the amount of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in the water.

Hard water has higher mineral concentrations, while soft water has lower mineral concentrations.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish prefer slightly soft to moderate hardness level, between 4-8 dGH.

To ensure that your aquarium is within the optimal range, you can use an API Aquarium Test Kit to measure the hardness.

If you find that the water is too hard, you can add reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems to soften it.

But, you should also keep in mind that RO filtration systems can remove other beneficial minerals from the water and affect the pH balance.

So, you should monitor the water quality regularly to make sure that your fish are getting all the necessary minerals they need.

b.Tank Requirements

1. Tank Size

Marble Veiltail Angelfish can reach up to 6 inches in length, so they need enough space to move around freely without feeling cramped or stressed.

In general, I recommend a minimum tank size of 30 gallons for one angelfish and an additional 10 gallons per each additional angelfish.

This also gives me a chance to decorate the tank with plenty of plants and other decorations without overcrowding the aquarium.

The large tank size helps to buffer any sudden changes in water parameters which would otherwise be more dangerous in a smaller tank.

For example, imagine dropping ink into a cup of water compared to dropping ink into a swimming pool.

In the small cup, the color changes immediately, but in a larger body of water, it takes more time for the color to spread throughout it.

In the same way, large tank sizes help to spread out and dilute sudden water changes and give you more time to react.

2. Decorations

Although these marbles never lived in the wild, they’re still like any other fish that needs a certain level of stimulation to stay healthy.

For hiding spots and places to explore, you can add rocks, driftwood, and caves to the tank.

And for a more vibrant effect, you can add live plants like Anubias, Java ferns, and hornwort.

These plants will not only provide additional hiding spots for the angelfish but also help to keep the water clean by absorbing excess nutrients.

But make sure not to overcrowd the tank with too many decorations as this can make the tank look cluttered and reduce the oxygen level.

3. Lighting

Just like us, angelfish need a certain amount of light to stay active and healthy.

These angels require a moderate level of lighting for 8-10 hours per day, with a gradual ramp-up and ramp-down period to simulate natural lighting conditions.

This can help maintain appropriate levels of algae growth, promote plant growth, and provide appropriate lighting for the fish.

You should also consider the type of lighting used in the aquarium.

For example, LED lights can produce a wide range of colors, while fluorescent lighting provides a good balance of color and intensity.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Compatibility

Marble Veiltail Angelfish are quite peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of tank mates.

However, they can get aggressive with other angelfish, especially when spawning.

So, you should house these guys with compatible species that are similar in size and temperament.

Here are some good and bad tank mates for the Marble Veiltail Angelfish:

Good Tank Mates	Bad Tank Mates
Tetras	Other angelfish
Rasboras	Some cichlids
Corydoras catfish	Bettas
Loaches	Barbs
Plecos	Larger catfish
Snails	Pufferfish
Shrimps	Crayfish
	Crabs

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Feeding & Diet

Marble Veiltail Angelfish are omnivores that need a varied diet of both vegetables and meaty foods.

Typically, angelfish in the wild eat a wide range of food from vegetation to insects and small fish.

In the aquarium, you can feed them a varied balanced diet of:

High-quality flake
Pellet food
Frozen or live brine shrimp
Bloodworms

But notice that live and frozen food can be carrying parasites or bacteria that can be harmful to your fish.

To ensure that the food is safe and parasite-free, you should always soak it in a freshwater solution for at least 30 minutes before feeding.

Also, these fish have small mouths and cannot eat large chunks of food.

Therefore, you should cut the food into small pieces or grind it up to make sure they can eat it.

When it comes to feeding frequency, you can give them small meals 2-3 times per day.

And remember to give them only as much food as they can finish within a few minutes and remove any uneaten food from the tank. This will help keep the water clean and free of pollutants.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Breeding

1. Prepare the Breeding Tank

Since Marble Veiltail Angelfish can get quite aggressive when breeding, it’s best to keep them in a separate tank.

But this tank should have specific requirements for the angelfish to breed successfully. Here are the steps to prepare the breeding tank for Marble Veiltail Angelfish:

Choose a tank that is at least 20 gallons in size
Install a sponge filter to provide gentle water movement
Maintain soft water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0
Add hiding places such as plants, rocks, and caves
Keep the water temperature around 78°F
Ensure the tank is clean and free from any debris or contaminants
Allow the tank to settle for a few days before breeding

2. Select the Pair

This is the most important step when it comes to angelfish breeding as it determines whether or not the process will be successful.

And since choosing the right pair for breeding can be a bit like playing a matchmaker, I’ve put together a few tips to help you find the perfect match:

Look for angelfish that are of similar size and age. Nobody wants to be the mismatched couple at the party
Observe the behavior of the potential mates. If they are interested in each other and seem to get along, then they just might be a good pair
Check for signs of good health such as clear eyes, fins, and free-flowing gills

Once you’ve chosen a suitable breeding pair, transfer them carefully to the breeding tank.

Let the new couple settle in for a few days before starting to condition them for breeding.

3. Condition the Breeding Pair

Conditioning the pair means providing them with the right environment and diet to simulate their natural breeding behavior.

Here are some steps to condition them for breeding:

Feed them high-quality live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
Feed the angelfish at least twice a day to ensure they receive enough food. They need to consume more food than usual to build up energy and prepare for breeding
Maintain good water quality. Keep the tank clean and perform frequent water changes of at least 25% every week
Keep the tank lights on a regular schedule and avoid any sudden loud noises or vibrations near the tank

Once you notice the male starts chasing the female or the pair begins to clean a flat surface, this means they’re ready to spawn.

4. Spawning Process

Before spawning can take place, the male will chase the female, displaying its fins and trying to nudge it toward a flat surface.

Then the female will lead the male to a suitable spawning site where it will lay its eggs.

Once the new mummy has found a suitable surface, it will lay its eggs in rows or clusters.

After that, the male will then fertilize the eggs by releasing milt over them.

The new parents will then fan their fins to keep oxygen flowing through the eggs and remove any debris or fungus that may accumulate on the eggs.

The parents will also defend the eggs against any potential threats until the eggs hatch.

5. Incubation

Within 48-72 hours, the eggs will hatch and release the tiny fry.

The fry will then remain close to the spawning site, but they will be free-swimming and able to move around.

Once the fry absorb their yolk sac, they will need to eat small foods like newly hatched baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

To ensure they receive enough nutrition, feed the angelfish fry small amounts several times a day with what they can consume within 2-3 minutes.

Marble Veiltail Angelfish Common Diseases

Marble Veiltail Angelfish are hardy fish that are generally disease-resistant.

However, they can still be prone to certain ailments if you don’t take proper care of them and neglect their environment.

Here are some common diseases, their symptoms, cause, and treatments:

Disease	Symptoms	Causes	Treatment
Ich (White Spot)	White spots on the skin and fins	Parasite infection	Raise water temperature, add medication to the tank
Fin Rot	Fins and tail appear ragged or eroded	Bacterial infection, poor water quality	Improve water quality, add medication to the tank
Dropsy	Swollen abdomen, scales stick out	Kidney or bacterial infection	Improve water quality, add medication to the tank
Velvet Disease	Velvet-like appearance on the skin	Parasite infection, poor water quality, stress	Raise water temperature, add medication to the tank
Swim Bladder Disease	Fish has difficulty swimming upright	Poor water quality, overfeeding, injury	Improve water quality, adjust fish’s diet

To decide on the proper medication for your angelfish, you should consult with a veterinarian who can look at the fish and recommend the best treatment.

FAQs

How Big Do Veiltail Angelfish Get?

Veiltail Angelfish can get up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail.

However, their body size can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions.

What Is the Difference Between Veiltail and Regular Angelfish?

The difference between veiltail and regular angelfish is mainly in their fin shape.

Veiltail Angelfish have long, flowing fins compared to regular Angelfish, giving them a more elegant appearance.

Regular Angelfish also have a more triangular body shape and a pronounced vertical stripe pattern.

Are Marble Angelfish Rare?

Marble Angelfish are not rare in the aquarium trade. They are a popular variety of Angelfish and you can find them in many pet stores and online retailers.

However, their availability may vary depending on location and demand.

Are Marble Angelfish Aggressive?

Marble angelfish aren’t aggressive by nature, but they can become territorial when breeding.

They also might display aggression towards other fish if they feel that these fish are threatening their territory.

Conclusion

As promised, we’ve covered everything from their diet, and ideal tank conditions, to the common diseases they may be exposed to.

And if you ask me, I’d recommend getting a Marble Veiltail Angelfish for your tank if you’re just starting out in the hobby.

They are relatively easy to care for, and you can watch them swim around with grace and elegance as they grow up in your tank.

Do you still have questions about Marble Veiltail Angelfish? If so, leave a comment and I’ll be happy to answer them.