There are three species of Angelfish (Pterophyllum genus). They originate from the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin and various rivers in the Guiana Shield in tropical South America.

They are laterally compressed, with round bodies and elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins. This body shape allows them to hide among roots and plants, often on a vertical surface. Naturally occurring angelfish are frequently striped longitudinally, colouration which provides additional camouflage. Angelfish are ambush predators and prey on small fish and macroinvertebrates. They form monogamous pairs with eggs generally laid on a submerged log or a flattened leaf.