Product Details

Black Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare

Overview:

The Black Angelfish is a dramatic captive-bred form of the classic freshwater angelfish, known for its deep black to charcoal body colour and elegant tall profile. This variety of Pterophyllum scalare makes a bold centrepiece for a mature tropical aquarium, especially when displayed against green planting, pale sand or warm-toned wood. It is generally peaceful with suitable tank mates, but as a cichlid it can become territorial as it matures, particularly when forming a pair.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Black Angelfish
Other Names: Black Angel, Jet Black Angelfish, Black Lace Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish, Angel Fish
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
Fish Type: Cichlid
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Black Angelfish is a captive-bred colour strain, so this exact solid-black form is not found in the wild. The wild species, Pterophyllum scalare, is native to tropical South America, including parts of the Amazon basin in Peru, Colombia and Brazil, as well as rivers in Amapá, the Oyapock in French Guiana and the Essequibo in Guyana. In nature, freshwater angelfish live in swamps, flooded areas and quiet waters where aquatic and marginal vegetation is dense. FishBase describes P. scalare as a freshwater, benthopelagic cichlid reaching around 15 cm total length.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Black Angelfish have the classic compressed, triangular angelfish body with long dorsal and anal fins. Colour can range from dark charcoal to rich velvety black, sometimes with subtle striping, lace-like markings or a slightly smoky sheen depending on the strain and lighting. Adults usually reach around 12–15 cm in body length, but their full height with fins can be considerably greater, so aquarium depth is important. Males and females are difficult to sex reliably outside breeding condition.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a strong choice for a planted tropical community aquarium, Amazon-style display or calm centrepiece setup. Black Angelfish look especially effective in aquariums with tall plants, bogwood, roots, shaded areas and open midwater swimming space. They are not suitable for nano tanks, fin-nipping communities, aggressive cichlid setups or aquariums containing very small fish that may eventually be eaten.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 160–180 litres for a pair or small group of juveniles, with a tank at least 45–50 cm tall recommended for adults. Larger aquariums are preferable for groups, as mature angelfish may pair off and defend territories. FishBase gives a minimum aquarium length of around 100 cm, while Seriously Fish recommends a tall aquarium of at least 50 cm for adult fish.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Captive-bred angelfish are usually adaptable, but stable water quality is essential. Provide gentle to moderate filtration, regular water changes and avoid sudden temperature or pH swings. FishBase lists P. scalare at 24–30°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and hardness 5–13 dH, while UK aquarium guidance notes that captive-bred specimens can acclimatise to a wider range than wild fish.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Semi-Aggressive

Black Angelfish are generally peaceful for a cichlid, but they can become assertive once mature. Suitable tank mates include larger peaceful tetras, medium rasboras, Cory-type catfish, bristlenose plecs, peaceful gouramis, calm livebearers in compatible water and dwarf cichlids in spacious aquariums.

Avoid Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras and other fin-nippers, as well as aggressive cichlids, very boisterous feeders and tiny fish such as fry or very small tetras. Young angelfish can be grown on in groups, but adult pairs may need extra space if breeding behaviour develops.

Feeding:

Black Angelfish are omnivores and usually feed readily once settled. Offer quality tropical flakes, soft granules and small cichlid pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, daphnia, bloodworm, mysis and mosquito larvae. A small amount of vegetable or spirulina-based food can also be included for balance. Feed controlled portions once or twice daily rather than allowing them to overeat.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species usually occupies the middle levels of the aquarium, gliding between plants and décor with a calm, deliberate swimming style. Once established, Black Angelfish often become confident and responsive at feeding time. Mature pairs may clean a broad leaf, slate, filter pipe or piece of wood as a spawning site and defend the surrounding area from other fish.

Care Notes:

Keep in a mature, cycled aquarium with stable warm water and good filtration. Provide enough height for natural fin development and avoid sharp décor that may tear the fins. Do not mix with known fin-nippers or fish small enough to be swallowed. Black forms show best under balanced lighting with planted cover and low stress, but they still need open swimming space and good maintenance.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common / Captive-bred 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, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.