Manacapuru Redback Angelfish-Tank Raised 2"

Manacapuru Redback Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare “Manacapuru”, is a naturally occurring geographic form of freshwater angelfish originating from the Rio Manacapuru drainage in Amazonas, Brazil. The Rio Manacapuru is a northern tributary of the Amazon River located west of Manaus. These angelfish inhabit warm, slow-moving waters with submerged branches, root systems, flooded vegetation, and extensive marginal cover. Unlike selectively bred domestic angelfish varieties, the Manacapuru Redback is valued for retaining the appearance and characteristics of a naturally occurring Amazonian population.
Adult Manacapuru Redback Angelfish can reach approximately 6 inches in body length, while their tall dorsal and anal fins can produce an overall height of 10 inches or more. The body is strongly laterally compressed and distinctly triangular, with elongated dorsal and anal fins and long, thread-like pelvic fins. What makes the Manacapuru Redback particularly spectacular is the rich red to reddish-orange coloration that develops across the back, shoulders, and upper portion of the body as the fish matures. The lower flanks remain metallic silver to pale gold and are crossed by the bold black vertical bars characteristic of wild-type Pterophyllum scalare. Mature, well-conditioned specimens can develop an extraordinary contrast between the glowing red-orange upper body, brilliant metallic flanks, and jet-black barring. Their coloration generally becomes richer and more impressive with age, making mature adults dramatically more colorful than juveniles.
A tank of at least 55 gallons is recommended for a small group, with larger and particularly taller aquariums preferred for mature specimens. Manacapuru Redback Angelfish are social cichlids, and juveniles generally do best when raised in groups, although adults may form pairs and establish territories as they mature. The aquarium should provide substantial vertical swimming space along with tall plants, driftwood, branches, and root-like structures that recreate the flooded forest environments associated with wild angelfish. Open areas should also be maintained for swimming.
Water conditions should remain warm, clean, and stable. Temperatures between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit are appropriate, with a pH range of approximately 5.5 to 7.2 and soft to moderately soft water preferred. Manacapuru Redbacks are particularly impressive in warm, tannin-rich Amazonian setups, although established aquarium specimens can adapt to somewhat broader conditions. Strong biological filtration and regular water changes help maintain excellent growth, finnage, and coloration.
Manacapuru Redback Angelfish are omnivorous micropredators. In nature they consume aquatic insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms, zooplankton, and other small organisms while also taking some plant and organic material. In the aquarium they readily accept high-quality cichlid pellets and flakes along with frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other appropriately sized foods. A varied, high-quality diet helps develop the intense red-orange back and strong body condition characteristic of mature specimens.
Temperament is generally peaceful to semi-aggressive. Manacapuru Redback Angelfish make excellent centerpiece fish in larger South American community aquariums with appropriately selected tankmates. Suitable companions include medium-sized tetras, Corydoras, peaceful plecos, eartheaters, and other calm species that appreciate warm water. Very small fish may eventually be viewed as prey, while aggressive or persistent fin-nipping species should be avoided. Territorial behavior increases significantly once adults form breeding pairs.
Breeding is readily achievable once a compatible pair forms. Manacapuru Redback Angelfish are biparental substrate spawners that typically deposit eggs in neat rows on broad plant leaves, vertical pieces of wood, slate, or other cleaned surfaces. Both parents guard and fan the eggs before protecting the larvae and free-swimming fry. Established pairs may become highly territorial while raising offspring, displaying the attentive parental behavior characteristic of Pterophyllum.
Pterophyllum scalare “Manacapuru” is one of the most spectacular naturally occurring angelfish forms available in the aquarium hobby. Its intense red-orange back, metallic silver body, bold wild-type black barring, elegant finnage, and authentic Brazilian locality make the Manacapuru Redback Angelfish an exceptional choice for aquarists seeking the beauty and character of a naturally occurring Amazonian angelfish rather than a domestically created color strain.