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Black Lace Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
Variety of Silver Angelfish · black lace
📍 Amazon Basin, South America
A dark variety produced by the dark gene, expressing as a near-black body with intricate lace-like patterning on the fins. Striking against light-coloured substrates and green plants. Bred from the silver base morph with additional dark gene copies for deeper colouration.
Care Guide
Diet
Black Lace Angelfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp 2-3 times weekly. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes, as overfeeding degrades water quality in their tall tank setup.
Behavior
These fish are semi-aggressive, especially during breeding season when pairs become highly territorial and may harass tank mates. They are mid-water swimmers that prefer tall aquariums and spend time exploring plants and décor; they exhibit curious, intelligent behavior and may recognize their keeper. Keeping them in pairs or small groups requires careful observation to prevent aggression.
Breeding
Breeding Black Lace Angelfish in captivity is moderately difficult and requires stable water conditions (pH 6.0–6.5, 26–28°C) and a dedicated breeding tank of at least 20 gallons. Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend eggs and fry; eggs hatch in 24–36 hours and fry become free-swimming after 3–5 days. Raising fry requires frequent small water changes and infusoria or liquid fry food for the first week.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameters and peaceful schooling behavior; avoid very small tetras that may trigger predatory response
Similar size and temperament but may compete during breeding; monitor closely for aggression
Schooling fish that occupy lower water column; peaceful and thrive in soft, acidic water matching angelfish needs
Algae-eating bottom-dwellers that are peaceful and help maintain tank cleanliness without competing for resources
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against décor, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28–30°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 7–10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove uneaten food, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure temperature stays 26–28°C
Hole-in-the-Head (HITH)
Small pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve diet with varied foods including vitamin-enriched pellets, use activated carbon in filter; may indicate poor water quality or nutritional deficiency
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, clamped fins, scratching behavior
Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28–30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use copper-free velvet treatment; isolate affected fish if possible
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – cichlid pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, flake
- lifespan
- 10–12 years
- max size
- 15 cm (5.9 in) body; up to 30 cm (11.8 in) fin-to-fin height
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum (taller is better)
- temperament
- Semi-aggressive, especially when breeding
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 3–8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–86°F (24–30°C)