Black Angelfish – Pterophyllum scalare
The Black Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a stunning freshwater angelfish variety known for its deep black coloration, tall body shape, and long flowing fins. This elegant cichlid adds a bold, dramatic look to planted aquariums, peaceful community tanks, and larger freshwater displays.
Black Angelfish are popular with aquarists who want a graceful centerpiece fish with strong contrast and classic angelfish personality. They are generally peaceful to semi-peaceful with properly chosen tankmates, but like most cichlids, they may become territorial during breeding.
Key Features
- Deep black coloration with elegant finnage
- Classic freshwater angelfish variety
- Beautiful centerpiece fish for planted aquariums
- Peaceful to semi-peaceful with suitable tankmates
- Intelligent and interactive aquarium fish
- Best in taller aquariums with open swimming space
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare
- Common Name: Black Angelfish
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful to semi-peaceful; may become territorial during breeding
- Adult Size: Approximately 5–6 inches body length; up to 8–10 inches tall with fins
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger; taller aquariums preferred
- Tank Level: Middle to upper levels
- Water Temperature: 76–82°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
- Diet: Omnivore
Why Choose a Black Angelfish?
Black Angelfish are a great choice for aquarists who want a bold, elegant centerpiece fish with a refined appearance. Their dark coloration stands out beautifully against bright green live plants, natural driftwood, lighter substrate, and aquarium lighting.
Like other angelfish, Black Angelfish have personality and presence. Their calm swimming style and tall fins create a graceful display, while their cichlid intelligence makes them more interactive than many smaller community fish.
Ideal Tank Setup
Black Angelfish do best in a taller aquarium with stable warm water, gentle to moderate filtration, and plenty of vertical swimming space. Driftwood, live plants, broad-leaf plants, and open swimming areas help create a comfortable environment.
Planted aquariums with Amazon swords, Vallisneria, Anubias, Java Fern, and driftwood work especially well. Avoid overcrowding and strong current, as angelfish have tall bodies and long fins that do best in calmer water movement.
Compatible Tankmates
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful larger tetras
- Rasboras too large to be eaten
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Dwarf Gouramis with caution
- Bolivian Rams
- Peaceful dwarf cichlids
- Rainbowfish with compatible conditions
- Other angelfish with enough room
Tankmates to Avoid
- Tiger Barbs and other fin-nipping fish
- Very small nano fish that may be eaten
- Shrimp or tiny invertebrates
- Highly aggressive cichlids
- Fast, overly aggressive feeders
- Fish that require cooler water conditions
Diet & Feeding
Black Angelfish are omnivores and do best with a varied diet. Feed quality flakes, angelfish pellets, cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried foods, and other appropriate prepared or frozen foods.
A balanced diet with quality protein and color-supporting ingredients can help maintain health, fin development, and strong coloration. Feed small portions that can be eaten quickly and avoid overfeeding.
Care Tips
- Use a 30 gallon or larger aquarium
- Choose a taller tank when possible
- Provide live plants, driftwood, and open swimming space
- Keep water warm, clean, and stable
- Avoid fin-nipping tankmates
- Feed a varied omnivore diet
- Keep singly, as a pair, or in a group with proper space
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Angelfish aggressive?
Black Angelfish are generally peaceful to semi-peaceful, but they may become territorial during breeding or if kept in a crowded aquarium.
Can Black Angelfish live in community aquariums?
Yes. They can do well in peaceful community aquariums with calm, similarly sized tankmates that are not small enough to be eaten and do not nip fins.
What enhances Black Angelfish color?
Clean water, stable conditions, quality lighting, and a varied diet with high-quality pellets, protein-rich foods, and spirulina-based foods can help maintain strong coloration.
How big do Black Angelfish get?
They typically reach approximately 5–6 inches in body length and may reach 8–10 inches tall with their fins.
What size tank does a Black Angelfish need?
A 30 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, with taller aquariums preferred because angelfish have tall bodies and long fins.
Are Black Angelfish good for planted tanks?
Yes. Black Angelfish look excellent in planted aquariums and appreciate broad-leaf plants, driftwood, shaded areas, and open swimming space.
Can Black Angelfish live with shrimp?
They are not ideal for shrimp breeding tanks. Adult shrimp may be left alone in some setups, but baby shrimp and very small shrimp may be eaten.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Black Angelfish are elegant freshwater centerpiece fish for planted aquariums, peaceful community tanks, and larger freshwater displays. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop angelfish, cichlids, centerpiece fish, community fish, freshwater fish, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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