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