Pterophyllum is a small genus of freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae known to most aquarists as “angelfish”. All Pterophyllum species originate from the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin and various rivers in the Guiana Shield in tropical South America. They are unusually shaped for cichlids being greatly laterally compressed, with round bodies and elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins

Angelfish are ambush predators and prey on small fish and macroinvertebrates. In pet stores, the freshwater angelfish is typically placed in the semiaggressive category. Some tetras and barbs are compatible with angelfish, but ones small enough to fit in the mouth of the angelfish may be eaten. Generous portions of food should be available so the angelfish do not get hungry and turn on their tank mates. Angelfish are kept in a warm aquarium, ideally around 80 °F (27 °C).