Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel” true, wild caught

Price range: $40.00 through $99.00

✔ 100% Live Arrival Guarantee

Overnight shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air or Southwest Cargo across the United States and Puerto Rico. If your fish doesn’t arrive alive and healthy, we issue store credit — no questions asked.

The Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel” is a legendary wild-type angelfish known for its massive vertical profile and stunning red-spotted back. A true collector’s gem from the Rio Negro, perfect for high-end blackwater aquariums.

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Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel” – The Red-Spotted King of Angelfish

For the ultimate connoisseur of wild-type cichlids, we present the Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel”. Sourced from the tea-colored blackwaters of the Rio Negro in Brazil, this is arguably the most spectacular naturally occurring variant of the common angelfish. The “Santa Isabel” is world-renowned for its impressive verticality—reaching heights that rival the true Pterophyllum altum—and its breathtaking “Red Back” coloration. As these fish mature, they develop intense red spotting and a deep wine-red wash across their dorsal area and forehead, contrasted by a shimmering silver body and sharp, dark vertical bars. This is not just a fish; it is a majestic piece of the Amazonian wilderness, offering a level of elegance and rarity that few other species can match.

Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel” Key Features

Iconic Red Pigmentation: Famous for the “Red Back” trait, developing vivid red spots and coloration along the upper body as they mature.
Stunning Altum-like Profile: Possesses an incredibly tall, compressed body with elongated fins, giving them a regal and imposing presence.
Rare Rio Negro Locality: A highly sought-after wild-type strain from the Santa Isabel region, prized for its unique genetics and intense colors.
Intelligent & Majestic: Known for their graceful swimming patterns and complex social interactions within a group.
Premium Collector’s Item: One of the most prestigious angelfish varieties available in the hobby today.

Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel” Care Requirements

Tank Size: Minimum 55-gallon “tall” tank for a pair, but a 75–100 gallon tank is highly recommended for a group to accommodate their significant vertical height.
Water Temperature: 78–84°F (26–29°C)
pH Range: 5.0–6.8 (Thrives in soft, acidic blackwater conditions with plenty of tannins).
Diet: Omnivorous. They appreciate a high-quality variety of flakes and pellets, but regular feedings of frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis) are essential to bring out their best red coloration.
Tank Mates: Best kept with other peaceful South American species. Ideal companions include Discus, larger Tetras (Rummy Nose, Bleeding Heart), Corydoras, and peaceful Geophagus. Avoid very small fish that may be seen as prey.

Why Choose Our Pterophyllum scalare “Santa Isabel”?

At Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC, we handle our Santa Isabel specimens with the utmost care. Given their wild heritage, we ensure they are meticulously acclimated, quarantined, and feeding strongly on a variety of foods before they are shipped. We take pride in providing robust, healthy examples of this incredible regional variant.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We ship our premium Santa Isabel Angelfish nationwide with specialized packaging to ensure a safe journey. Every order is backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee for a worry-free experience.

Weight	0.3 lbs
Dimensions	3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 in
Size	Small, Medium, Large

Shipping & Care FAQ

Common questions about ordering, shipping, acclimation, and care. Have a different question? Contact us.

How long does fish shipping take?

All orders ship overnight via FedEx or UPS from our Philadelphia, PA facility. Most US addresses receive their fish within 16-24 hours of dispatch. We ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure fish arrive before weekend transit holds.

What is the Live Arrival Guarantee?

Every overnight shipment from Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC is covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If a fish arrives DOA, we provide store credit — photo documentation within 2 hours of delivery is required.

How do I acclimate fish from Amazoniafish.com to my aquarium?

Float the unopened bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature. Then drip acclimate over 45-60 minutes using airline tubing (1-2 drops per second) into a holding container. Net the fish into your tank without adding bag water. Dim lights for the first 24 hours.

How are the fish packaged for overnight shipping?

Fish ship in oxygenated double-bagged plastic bags inside insulated styrofoam boxes with heat or cool packs depending on season. Fishes are bagged with proper water-to-fish ratio. Boxes are clearly marked LIVE FISH on all sides.

Are the fish quarantined before shipping?

All wild-caught and imported fish undergo a multi-week quarantine at our facility. Specimens are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and verified to be eating well before being offered for sale. Domestic strains are quarantined for at least 1 week.

What if a fish arrives dead (DOA)?

Take clear photos of the deceased fish in the unopened bag within 2 hours of delivery and email us. We process Live Arrival Guarantee claims same-day — store credit is refunded to your account.

Do you ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or internationally?

We ship throughout the continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. International destinations are not supported due to live fish import regulations and shipping risks. We comply with Lacey Act and CITES regulations for all sales.

What water parameters should I prepare for my new fish?

Most South American tropical fish (angelfish, discus, apistogramma, tetras, corydoras) thrive in soft, slightly acidic water: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 78-82°F. Specific parameters are listed in each product description. Wild-caught species benefit from blackwater botanicals (Indian Almond leaves, alder cones).

Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?

Yes — wholesale pricing is available for licensed retailers. Visit our wholesale page for details and bulk pricing on premium tropical fish.