The freshwater angelfish genus is Pterophyllum.
Pterophyllum contains the South American freshwater angelfishes, including Pterophyllum scalare, the species most commonly kept in aquariums. These cichlids are native to slow-moving rivers and floodplain habitats in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo basins.
Their tall, laterally compressed bodies and elongated dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins give them a distinctive triangular profile. Captive breeding has produced many color and pattern varieties, but the wild species are generally silver with dark vertical bands.
Freshwater angelfish are often confused with marine angelfish because of their similar common name and tall body shape. They are not closely related: marine angelfish belong to the family Pomacanthidae, while freshwater angelfish are cichlids. Pterophyllum species pair and lay adhesive eggs on broad leaves, aquarium equipment, or other vertical surfaces.