(F311) Jet Black Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

Categories: ,
Description

Description

Jet Black Angel (Pterophyllum scalare)

📌 Basic Info

  • Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare

  • Common Names: Jet Black Angelfish, Black Angel, Velvet Black Angel

  • Family: Cichlidae

  • Order: Cichliformes

  • Origin: Captive-bred morph of Pterophyllum scalare developed from wild Amazon Basin lines (Peru, Brazil, Colombia)

  • Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches) body length; 25 cm (10 inches) tall with fins

  • Lifespan: 8 – 10 years

  • Tank Zone: Middle to upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 25 – 29°C (77 – 84°F)

  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5

  • Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH

  • TDS: 100 – 250 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

  • Body Shape: Classic tall, triangular body of angelfish with elegant flowing fins.

  • Coloration: Deep jet-black coloration covering the entire body, fins, and tail, giving a velvety matte or glossy sheen depending on lighting.

  • Fins: Long and graceful; solid black and semi-transparent near the edges.

  • Eyes: Red or dark brown, providing subtle contrast against the black body.

  • Behavior: Peaceful and calm, though territorial during spawning.

  • Unique Feature: Among the darkest angelfish strains — its solid black pigment gives an ultra-elegant, mysterious look unmatched by any other morph.

🍽️ Diet

  • Type: Omnivorous

  • Diet: High-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

  • Feeding Frequency: Twice daily in small portions.

  • Tip: Feed color-enhancing and protein-rich food to maintain deep, glossy black pigmentation.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

  • Tank Size: Minimum 120 liters (30 gallons) for a pair; 200 liters or more for a community.

  • Filtration: Gentle flow; stable and efficient filtration system.

  • Substrate: Light-colored sand or gravel enhances contrast.

  • Decor: Planted aquariums with tall plants and driftwood for a natural background.

  • Lighting: Moderate lighting to highlight the black sheen; avoid overly bright light.

  • Water Change: 25–35% weekly for best coloration and health.

👥 Social Behavior

  • Nature: Peaceful community fish; mildly territorial during breeding.

  • Tank Mates: Suitable with peaceful species such as Corydoras, Gouramis, Rainbowfish, and Tetras.

  • Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

  • Breeding: Forms pairs; eggs laid on vertical surfaces. Both parents guard the spawn.

Do’s
• Use a light-colored substrate for visual contrast.
• Keep in clean, stable warm water.
• Feed a protein-rich diet for healthy pigmentation.

Don’ts
• Don’t expose to excessive bright light (can dull color).
• Avoid sharp decor that may tear fins.
• Don’t mix with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Quick Tip:
The Jet Black Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a symbol of elegance and sophistication in aquariums. Its solid black color and graceful form make it a stunning centerpiece, especially when contrasted against green plants or light substrates. Perfect for aquarists seeking a dramatic and classy display fish