Black Angelfish

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
• Common Name: Black Angelfish
• Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in body length, with fins extending up to 8 inches (20 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years with proper care
• Habitat: Native to slow-moving freshwater rivers and floodplains of the Amazon Basin in South America. Prefers vegetation-rich, warm, soft water environments.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (for a small group, ideally taller tank)
• Ideal Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: 3–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive — usually peaceful, but may show aggression during breeding or toward smaller tank mates.

Diet & Nutrition

• Type: Omnivorous
• Diet: High-quality flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia), vegetable matter occasionally

• Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts.

Breeding & Spawning

• Breeding Type: Egg layer
• Spawning Behavior:
  Forms monogamous pairs, cleans a surface (leaf, rock) to lay eggs. Both parents guard eggs and fry.

• Fry Care:
  Fry can be fed with infusoria or baby brine shrimp once free swimming.

Appearance

• Color: Solid black body and fins
• Body Shape: Laterally compressed, disc-shaped body, with long, elegant triangular dorsal and anal fins

• Eyes: Often red or dark, depending on lineage

Distinctive Features

• Elegant vertical swimming posture
• Flowing, extended fins
• Distinct dark color morph of the angelfish species

• Often used for display in community aquariums due to striking appearance