The Leopold’s Angelfish, also known as Pterophyllum leopoldi, is a type of angelfish found in the Amazon River and nearby rivers. It’s also called Teardrop Angelfish, Spotted Angelfish, Dwarf Angelfish, or Roman-nosed Angelfish.
Leopold’s Angelfish looks different from other angelfishes because it doesn’t have a notch before its dorsal fin and has a black spot on its fourth vertical bar. Sometimes people get it confused with another species called P. dumerilii.
This small angelfish grows up to 3.9 inches long and 5.9 inches tall, making it the smallest and most aggressive of its kind.
The name “leopoldi” is in honor of King Leopold III of Belgium, who supported the Amazon expedition where this fish was first discovered. It lives in rivers.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Leopold’s Angelfish Interesting Facts
- The Leopold’s Angelfish, or Pterophyllum leopoldi, is unique due to its lack of dorsal fin notch and black spot on the fourth vertical bar.
- As the smallest and most aggressive angelfish species, it grows up to 3.9 inches long and 5.9 inches tall.
- Named in honor of King Leopold III of Belgium, this fish was discovered during an Amazon expedition he supported.
- Found in the Amazon River basin and Guyana’s Rupununi River, Leopold’s Angelfish swims close to river bottoms as a benthopelagic species.
Leopold’s Angelfish Habitat
The Leopold’s Angelfish is a tropical, freshwater fish. It’s found in the Amazon River basin, specifically between Manacapuru and Santarém.
This fish also lives in the Rupununi River, part of Guyana’s Essequibo River drainage system. As a benthopelagic species, it swims close to the bottom of these river systems.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Leopold’s Angelfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters)
Leopold’s Angelfish grows up to 3.9 inches long and 5.9 inches tall.
Leopold’s Angelfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Pterophyllum |
| Scientific Name: | Pterophyllum leopoldi |
| Also Known As: | Leopold’s Angelfish, Teardrop Angelfish, Spotted Angelfish, Dwarf Angelfish, Roman-nosed Angelfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |