Product Details

Black Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

The Black Angelfish is a striking captive-bred form of the classic freshwater angelfish, with deep black body colour, tall fins and the elegant triangular shape that makes angelfish so popular in planted aquariums. Correctly listed as Pterophyllum scalare, this South American cichlid is peaceful compared with many cichlids, but it is still a predatory, territorial fish that needs space, height and carefully chosen tank mates. It is best suited to mature tropical community aquariums rather than small or very busy setups.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Black Angelfish
Other Names: Black Angel, Black Freshwater Angelfish, Black Scalare, Black Veil Angelfish where long-finned
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Pterophyllum scalare is native to South America, including parts of the Amazon basin and connected river systems. Wild angelfish inhabit slow-moving, vegetated waters, flooded areas, swamps and river margins where roots, plants and submerged cover provide shelter.

The Black Angelfish is a captive-bred colour form, so it is usually more adaptable than wild angelfish. In the aquarium, it does best in a mature setup with tall plants, wood, shaded areas and open swimming space.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Black Angelfish have the tall, laterally compressed body shape typical of freshwater angelfish, with extended dorsal and anal fins and long trailing ventral fins. The body colour ranges from dark charcoal to deep black, with some individuals showing subtle sheen, faint patterning or slightly lighter fin edges depending on breeding line and lighting.

Adults usually reach around 12–15 cm in body length, but their full height can be much greater when the fins are included. For this reason, tank height is especially important. Mature fish develop a deeper body and more impressive fin spread than juveniles.

Aquarium Suitability:

This strain is well suited to mature planted tropical aquariums, South American-style community setups and peaceful cichlid displays. It needs stable water quality, warm conditions, vertical swimming space and tank mates that are neither tiny nor aggressive.

Black Angelfish are not suitable for small nano aquariums, fin-nipping communities, predator tanks, very boisterous fish setups or tanks containing very small fish that may be eaten as the angelfish matures.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 180 litres for a pair or small young group, with a tank length of at least 90–100 cm recommended. A taller aquarium of at least 45–50 cm water height is preferred so the fins can develop naturally.

Young angelfish can be grown in a small group, but adults often pair off and become territorial. Long-term stocking should allow space for pairs to form and for weaker fish to avoid dominant individuals.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred Black Angelfish are adaptable, but they still do best in clean, stable, warm water. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or hardness. Good filtration, regular water changes and low stress are important for fin condition and long-term health.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Black Angelfish are generally peaceful for a cichlid, but they can become territorial, especially once mature or breeding. Suitable tank mates include medium peaceful tetras, deeper-bodied rasboras, Cory-type catfish in compatible temperatures, bristlenose plecs, peaceful dwarf cichlids with care, larger livebearers in suitable water and other calm community fish too large to be swallowed.

Avoid Neon Tetras, tiny rasboras, small shrimp, guppy fry and other very small tank mates, as adult angelfish may view them as food. Also avoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras and other persistent fin-nippers, as they may damage the angelfish’s long fins.

Feeding:

Black Angelfish are easy-feeding omnivores. Offer quality cichlid flakes, soft granules, slow-sinking pellets and varied frozen foods as the staple diet. Good additions include bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis, daphnia, mosquito larvae and finely chopped seafood.

Include some vegetable matter through spirulina flakes, algae-based foods or quality prepared diets. Feed sensible portions and avoid overfeeding, as angelfish are eager feeders and poor water quality can quickly affect fin and body condition.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

Angelfish are graceful midwater swimmers that move between plants, wood and open areas. Young fish are often social, while adults may form pairs and defend a chosen area. Breeding pairs can become more territorial and may chase tank mates away from eggs or fry.

They are substrate or surface spawners, usually laying eggs on broad leaves, filter pipes, wood, glass or other vertical surfaces. Parents may guard the eggs, though inexperienced pairs often eat early spawns.

Care Notes:

Add Black Angelfish only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide tall plants, vertical wood, shaded retreats and open swimming space. Avoid sharp décor that may tear fins, and avoid cramped tanks that force constant conflict between adults.

Because this is a selectively bred colour form, depth of black colour can vary between individuals and may improve as fish mature. Good diet, stable water and low stress help maintain the strongest colour and fin condition.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / Captive-bred colour 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 colour depth, fin length, body shape, sex, age and markings can occur between individual fish.