Black Angelfish

The Black Angelfish is a beautiful and popular color variation of the freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). While its deep, velvety black color makes it stand out, its care requirements are very similar to other angelfish varieties. Here's a comprehensive care guide for a Black Angelfish:

Tank & Environment

• Tank Size: Angelfish are tall, so a tall tank is crucial. A minimum of a 30-gallon aquarium is recommended for a single angelfish, but a 55-gallon or larger is better for a pair or small group. The height of the tank should be at least 18 inches to accommodate their tall fins.

• Substrate: A fine, smooth substrate like sand or small, smooth gravel is ideal.

• Decor: Provide a well-planted tank with tall plants like Amazon Sword, Anubias, and Vallisneria. These plants provide natural cover and a sense of security. Include driftwood and rocks to create additional hiding spots and visual barriers. Avoid decor with sharp edges that could damage their delicate fins.

• Water Flow: Angelfish prefer gentle, slow-moving water, which mimics their natural habitat in the slow-moving rivers and floodplains of the Amazon basin. A hang-on-back filter or a canister filter with an adjustable flow is a good choice.

Water Parameters

Maintaining stable and clean water is the most important part of angelfish care.

• Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C).

• pH: 6.5-7.5. While they can be adaptable to a wider range, this is the optimal range for their long-term health.

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3-8 dGH).

Diet

Black Angelfish are omnivores and should be given a varied diet to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients and maintain their coloration.

• Staple Diet: High-quality flake or pellet food specifically formulated for cichlids or angelfish.
• Frozen/Live Foods: Supplement their diet with protein-rich foods such as frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. This will help with their color and overall health.

• Vegetable Matter: Include some plant-based foods, such as spirulina-based flakes or blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Angelfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially when they form breeding pairs.They are a semi-aggressive cichlid.

• Tank Mates: Choose tank mates carefully to avoid conflict and fin-nipping. Good companions include:

  • Larger tetras (e.g., Black Skirt Tetras, Congo Tetras)

  • Corydoras catfish

  • Plecos (e.g., Bristlenose Plecos)

  • Peaceful gouramis

  • Rainbowfish

• Avoid:

  • Fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs and some other fast-moving barbs.

  • Very small fish like Neon Tetras, as a full-grown angelfish might eat them.

  • Aggressive or territorial cichlids that could stress them out.

Breeding

Black Angelfish breed in the same way as other angelfish varieties.

• Pairing: It's best to start with a group of juvenile angelfish and let them naturally pair off as they mature.

• Spawning: A breeding pair will clean a flat, vertical surface like a broad leaf, a piece of slate, or a breeding cone.

• Parental Care: The parents will guard and fan the eggs. However, many captive-bred angelfish have lost their strong parental instincts and may eat their eggs, especially if they are young or stressed.

Health & Maintenance

• Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (25% every 1-2 weeks) are essential to maintain stable water parameters and remove waste.

• Filtration: A good filter is necessary to keep the water clean and oxygenated.

• Observation: Regularly check for signs of common fish diseases like ich (white spots), fin rot, or unusual behavior such as clamped fins, loss of appetite, or lethargy.

By providing a clean, stable, and appropriately decorated environment with a varied diet, you can enjoy the striking beauty and graceful movements of your Black Angelfish for many years.