Black Angelfish - XL

Species Profile Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare Common Name: Black Angelfish Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm) in body length, with fins extending up to 8 inches (20 cm) Life Expectancy: 10–12 years with proper care Habitat: Native to slow-moving freshwater rivers and floodplains of the Amazon Basin in South America. Prefers vegetation-rich, warm, soft water environments. Tank Requirements Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (for a small group, ideally taller tank) Ideal Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C) pH Range: 6.0–7.5 Water Hardness: 3–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water) Temperament: Semi-aggressive — usually peaceful, but may show aggression during breeding or toward smaller tank mates. Diet & Nutrition Type: Omnivorous Diet: High-quality flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia), vegetable matter occasionally Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts. Breeding & Spawning Breeding Type: Egg layer Spawning Behavior: Forms monogamous pairs, cleans a surface (leaf, rock) to lay eggs. Both parents guard eggs and fry. Fry Care: Fry can be fed with infusoria or baby brine shrimp once free swimming. Appearance Color: Solid black body and fins Body Shape: Laterally compressed, disc-shaped body, with long, elegant triangular dorsal and anal fins Eyes: Often red or dark, depending on lineage Distinctive Features Elegant vertical swimming posture Flowing, extended fins Distinct dark color morph of the angelfish species Often used for display in community aquariums due to striking appearance