The South American Angelfish, scientifically known as Pterophyllum, is a small genus within the Cichlidae family. Originating from the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin, and various rivers in the Guiana Shield of tropical South America, these fish are prized for their unique shape and graceful swimming style, making them popular in home aquariums. They are relatively peaceful compared to other cichlids and are often selected for community tanks. Angelfish are hardy and can live up to ten years in a well-maintained aquarium. They have been bred in captivity over many generations, leading to a diverse range of available breeds. The optimal water temperature for these fish is between 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C). They thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH, generally between 6.5 to 7.5, and prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a General Hardness (dGH) of 3 to 8. Maintaining these water conditions and keeping ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm, and nitrate levels below 20 ppm, is crucial for the health, color vibrancy, and longevity of the South American Angelfish.