Product Details

Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish is an elegant captive-bred form of the freshwater angelfish, selected for bold contrast and long flowing fins. As a strain of Pterophyllum scalare, it has the tall body shape, graceful movement and intelligent behaviour that make angelfish such popular centrepiece cichlids. It is peaceful compared with many cichlids, but still needs a spacious, mature aquarium, carefully chosen tank mates and protection from fin-nipping species.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish
Other Names: Black White Veil Angel, Black and White Veil Angelfish, Veiltail Angelfish, Marble Veil Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid / Angelfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Wild Pterophyllum scalare is native to tropical South America, where angelfish occur in slow-moving waters, flooded areas and swamps with dense aquatic and riverbank vegetation. Natural habitats often include submerged roots, branches, tall plants and quieter margins where the fish can move between vertical cover.

The Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish is a captive-bred aquarium strain, so its colour pattern and extended fins are ornamental traits rather than wild-type features. Aquarium care should still reflect the species’ preference for warm, stable water, vertical cover, shaded areas and calm swimming space.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish have the classic tall, laterally compressed angelfish body with extended dorsal, anal and tail fins. The colour pattern can vary between individuals, but usually includes white, silver, black, smoky or marbled markings. Some fish may show strong black coverage, while others have more white or silver with black patches.

Adults usually reach around 15 cm in body length, with a much greater overall height when the fins are included. Veil tail specimens need extra space because the extended fins increase their display size and are more easily damaged in cramped or rough aquariums.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good centrepiece fish for larger peaceful community aquariums, planted South American-style setups and angelfish displays. Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish do best in mature aquariums with stable water quality, gentle to moderate filtration, tall plants, wood, open swimming space and areas of cover.

They are not suitable for tiny aquariums, fin-nipping barb communities, aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, very cool-water setups or communities with fish small enough to be eaten. The veil tail form needs especially careful tank mate selection because the long fins are vulnerable to damage.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 180 litres for a pair or small young group, with a tank length of at least 100 cm and good height recommended. Larger aquariums of 240 litres or more are better for adult groups, breeding pairs or mixed community setups.

Young angelfish can be grown on in groups, but mature fish may pair off and become territorial. Keep groups only where the aquarium has enough space and cover, or keep a confirmed pair in a suitable dedicated setup.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred angelfish are adaptable, but they should still be kept in clean, stable water. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness. Warm water carries less oxygen, so good filtration, surface movement and regular maintenance are important.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish are generally peaceful for cichlids, but they may become territorial when mature or breeding. Suitable tank mates include medium peaceful tetras, larger rasboras, Cory-type catfish in compatible temperatures, bristlenose plecs, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care, gouramis in spacious calm setups and other calm community fish too large to be swallowed.

Avoid Neon Tetras and other very small fish with adult angelfish, as they may be eaten. Also avoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras in unsuitable groups, fin-nipping species, aggressive cichlids, large predators and very boisterous fish that may stress or damage the long fins.

Feeding:

Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish are easy-feeding omnivores with a carnivorous lean. Offer quality cichlid flakes, soft granules or small pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, mysis, daphnia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and chopped meaty foods. Occasional vegetable-based or spirulina foods can be included for balance.

Feed measured portions that are eaten quickly. Angelfish are eager feeders, but overfeeding can quickly affect water quality in warm aquariums.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually swims through the middle levels of the aquarium, moving calmly between plants, wood and open water. Angelfish are intelligent, responsive fish and may recognise feeding routines. Young fish can be social, but adults often form pairs and defend a chosen area.

Pairs may clean a broad leaf, filter pipe, wood surface or aquarium glass before spawning. Angelfish provide parental care and may guard eggs and fry, although first-time pairs sometimes eat eggs, especially in busy community tanks.

Care Notes:

Add Black and White Veil Tail Angelfish only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide height, open swimming space and vertical cover such as tall plants or wood. Protect their long fins from nippy tank mates, sharp décor and strong suction intakes. Maintain regular water changes and stable warm conditions.

Because this is a veil tail colour form, individual fish can vary in black coverage, white patterning, marble effect, fin length and overall shape. Long fins should be checked regularly for splitting, nipping or damage.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Captive-bred ornamental colour and fin strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, black coverage, white patterning, marbling, fin length, fin shape and markings can occur between individual fish.