Angelfish facts for kids

Angelfish is a name given to several different creatures and things, but it most often refers to some truly beautiful and interesting fish! These fish are known for their unique shapes and vibrant colors, making them popular in aquariums and fascinating to observe in the wild. Let's dive into the world of angelfish and discover what makes them so special.

Amazing Angelfish: Fishy Friends

When people talk about angelfish, they are usually thinking about one of two main types: those that live in freshwater rivers and those that live in the salty ocean. Both are stunning, but they belong to different families of fish.

Freshwater Angelfish: Graceful Cichlids

Freshwater angelfish are tropical fish that belong to a group called cichlids. Their scientific name is Pterophyllum. These elegant fish come from the slow-moving rivers of South America, especially the Amazon River basin.

They are famous for their tall, flat, and triangular bodies, which help them glide gracefully through the water. They have long, flowing fins that look a bit like wings, giving them their "angel" name. Freshwater angelfish are very popular pets for home aquariums because of their calm nature and striking appearance. They can grow to be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and are often silver with dark stripes, though many different colors and patterns have been bred.

Marine Angelfish: Colorful Ocean Dwellers

Marine angelfish are completely different from their freshwater cousins. These fish live in the warm, tropical waters of the world's oceans, especially around coral reefs. They belong to the family Pomacanthidae.

Ocean angelfish are known for their incredibly bright and diverse colors, often featuring bold patterns of blue, yellow, orange, and black. They have flatter, disc-shaped bodies and can range in size from just a few inches to over 2 feet (60 cm) long, depending on the species. Many marine angelfish are quite shy and spend their days nibbling on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates found on the reef. Their vibrant colors help them blend in or stand out among the colorful corals.

Other Fish Called Angelfish

The name "angelfish" is also used for a few other interesting fish species:

• Angelsharks are a type of shark that looks very flat, almost like a ray. They live on the seabed and are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sand and mud.
• The Atlantic spadefish is a round, silvery fish with dark vertical bands. It lives in the Atlantic Ocean, often near wrecks and reefs.

Beyond the Fish Tank: Other Angelfish

Sometimes, the name "Angelfish" refers to things that aren't fish at all!

Angelfish: The Band

There was a Scottish alternative rock band in the early 1990s called Angelfish. The band released an album also titled Angelfish in 1994. The lead singer of this band, Shirley Manson, later became famous as the lead singer of the popular band Garbage.

Angelfish: Helping Kids

Angelfish is also the name of a charity based in the UK. This organization works to help children who are disabled or facing difficult situations in Cambodia. They provide support and resources to improve the lives of these young people.

Mark Twain's Special Friends

The famous American author, Mark Twain (whose real name was Samuel Clemens), had a special group of young women he called his "angelfish." These young women were like surrogate granddaughters to him during the later years of his life. He enjoyed their company and wrote many letters to them.