{"product_id":"black-angelfish-pterophyllum-scalare","title":"Black Angelfish - Pterophyllum scalare","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"10xpg4p\" data-start=\"197\" data-end=\"239\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eBlack Angelfish – \u003cem data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"239\"\u003ePterophyllum scalare\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"253\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"254\" data-end=\"742\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"277\"\u003eBlack Angelfish\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"462\"\u003ePterophyllum scalare\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"766\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"767\" data-end=\"1009\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"767\" data-end=\"783\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Angelfish\u003cbr data-start=\"799\" data-end=\"802\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"802\" data-end=\"818\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Angel, Jet Black Angelfish, Black Lace Angelfish, Freshwater Angelfish, Angel Fish\u003cbr data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"910\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"930\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"953\"\u003ePterophyllum scalare\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"953\" data-end=\"956\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"956\" data-end=\"970\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cichlid\u003cbr data-start=\"978\" data-end=\"981\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"996\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1038\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003eThe Black Angelfish is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1064\" data-end=\"1094\"\u003ecaptive-bred colour strain\u003c\/strong\u003e, so this exact solid-black form is not found in the wild. The wild species, \u003cem data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1193\"\u003ePterophyllum scalare\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cem data-start=\"1530\" data-end=\"1542\"\u003eP. scalare\u003c\/em\u003e as a freshwater, benthopelagic cichlid reaching around 15 cm total length. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eBlack 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 \u003cstrong data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2017\"\u003e12–15 cm in body length\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2189\" data-end=\"2213\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2623\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"2625\" data-end=\"2654\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"3087\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2735\"\u003e160–180 litres for a pair or small group of juveniles\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2775\"\u003e45–50 cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"2962\"\u003e100 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Seriously Fish recommends a tall aquarium of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3024\" data-end=\"3033\"\u003e50 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e for adult fish. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3089\" data-end=\"3109\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3110\" data-end=\"3638\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3110\" data-end=\"3126\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3137\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3144\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3152\" data-end=\"3155\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3168\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003cbr data-start=\"3192\" data-end=\"3195\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3195\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cem data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3433\"\u003eP. scalare\u003c\/em\u003e at \u003cstrong data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3448\"\u003e24–30°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3464\"\u003e6.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"3478\" data-end=\"3489\"\u003e5–13 dH\u003c\/strong\u003e, while UK aquarium guidance notes that captive-bred specimens can acclimatise to a wider range than wild fish. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3640\" data-end=\"3668\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3669\" data-end=\"3708\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3669\" data-end=\"3691\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"4011\"\u003eBlack 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4013\" data-end=\"4284\"\u003eAvoid 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4297\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4298\" data-end=\"4731\"\u003eBlack 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"4733\" data-end=\"4762\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4763\" data-end=\"5130\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5132\" data-end=\"5146\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5147\" data-end=\"5535\"\u003eKeep 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"5537\" data-end=\"5556\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5557\" data-end=\"5581\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"5583\" data-end=\"5599\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5600\" data-end=\"5628\"\u003eCommon \/ Captive-bred strain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"5630\" data-end=\"5650\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5651\" data-end=\"5846\"\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43667412418634,"sku":"AG-102638","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43667412451402,"sku":"AG-102639","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43667412484170,"sku":"AG-102640","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43667412516938,"sku":"AG-102641","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BlackAngelfish-Pterophyllumscalare.jpg?v=1780580899","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/black-angelfish-pterophyllum-scalare","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}