Black Angel Fish Angelfish

Black Angel Fish

The Black Angel fish, Pterophyllum scalare, is a great centrepiece for a tropical aquarium. Freshwater Black Angelfish can grow quite large, so larger aquarium is recommended to thrive. The brightness of an angelfish’s colouring depends on its mood and stress levels. When angelfish are stressed or asleep, they can appear pale, or duller in colour. Healthy, well-nourished angelfish living in ideal water conditions will display vibrant colours.

Angelfish are popular among aquarists because of their unique arrowhead bodies and flowing fins. Although angelfish are usually peaceful, angel fish can be prone to prey upon small fish if they can fit them in their mouth, and odd fits of aggression amongst themselves or with fish of a similar size, especially during breeding season, although this aggression is commonly not fatal.

Angelfish are native to tropical South America, including most of the Amazon water system in French Guiana, Brazil, Guyana, Columbia, and Peru. Angelfish are commonly found in slow-moving streams, floodplains, and swamps, in warm, acidic freshwater. Angelfish are active, mid-level swimmers in an aquarium, weaving in and out of aquarium plants, and are diurnal - meaning that they’re more active during the day than at night.

Are Black Angel Fish aggressive?
Angelfish can be described as mildly aggressive but are generally peaceful. With enough space to claim their own territory, angelfish are peaceful, but when housed with too many fish of their kind or of a similar size, angelfish fight and peck to defend their space or claim a breeding partner. Although angelfish form schools, angel fish are not sociable and rarely interact with one another. It must be pointed out however that angelfish are less aggressive than other American cichlids and are very unlikely to bully or fatally attack other fish species in the aquarium.

Features
Approx. supplied size: 1-2" / 3-5cm
Maximum size: 6" / 15cm
Origin: South America
Ideal number kept together: 2+
Temperament: Generally peaceful, occasional aggression

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5 temp 24°C
Ideal pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 4-12 dGH
Ideal temperature: 23–28°C
Lighting: moderate to high
Water flow: low to moderate

Ease of Care
Moderate. Angelfish are hardy, but also prone to aggression. A larger (100L or more) planted aquarium with plenty of caves and hiding spaces is recommended.

Diet
Omnivore. Angel fish are happy with flake and granules. Meatier live and frozen food can also be given occasionally to supplement.

Compatibility
Can be housed in a community aquarium with caution, alongside other peaceful community fish. Ange fish are prone to fin-nip, so do not house with long finned fish, or anything small enough to be considered food.

Breeding
Angelfish are egg layers but struggle with parental care, so are not easy to breed without a hatchery or separate breeding tank. Female angelfish have smaller, more rounded bodies than male angelfish.

Life Span
Black angelfish can live 10-12 years in perfect conditions.

Please note we cannot hand-pick male or female unless specified in the listing. Photograph is for illustrative purposes intended as a guide to the species you will receive. Colours of black angelfish can vary from full black, to black with patches of silver (but majority black).

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.