Black Angelfish 3-4cm
Black Angelfish offer charcoal to dark body colour and the characteristic tall silhouette of a freshwater angelfish. They create contrast among plants, but require the same adult space and compatibility planning as lighter varieties.
Quick Facts
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Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare (domestic aquarium variety)
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Variety: Black
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Sale size: Approximately 3–4 cm as listed
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Adult size: Around 15 cm in horizontal length; overall height including fins is greater and varies with fin type
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Temperature: 25–29°C
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Water: Stable, slightly acidic to neutral conditions; pH 6.5–7.0 is a useful care target
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Temperament: Can be territorial, especially when pairing and spawning; may eat small fish
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Diet: Quality prepared foods with suitably sized frozen foods
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Care level: Intermediate
Is this for you?
Perfect if: You want black angelfish and have an established aquarium planned around their adult size.
Consider something else if: Your tank is small or shallow, houses tiny fish or dwarf shrimp you want to protect, or you cannot separate fish if aggression develops.
Why choose Black Angelfish?
This variety suits a display built around dark fish against green foliage or a lighter background.
Key Benefits
- Dark colouring and a clear angelfish silhouette
- Tall body shape suited to a spacious planted display
- Interesting cichlid behaviour, including pair formation when compatible adults develop
Care & Specifications
Provide a tall aquarium with sufficient length and width for swimming and territories. Use plants and smooth wood to break lines of sight while keeping open water available. Filter effectively without forcing fish to swim continuously against a strong current.
Match water changes to the aquarium and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Stable conditions are more useful than abrupt chemical adjustments to chase a pH target; check the water the fish are currently held in before introduction.
What will you receive?
Black Angelfish 3-4cm from available stock, in the quantity ordered. Colour, markings and exact size vary between individuals. A particular sex or bonded pair is not specified.
Acclimation & Introduction
Have the aquarium ready before arrival and follow the supplied livestock acclimation guidance. Reduce lighting during introduction, avoid sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry, and monitor interactions with existing fish.
Ongoing Care
Offer suitably sized quality flakes or small pellets, with foods such as frozen brine shrimp for variety. Young angelfish need several small meals spread through the day; avoid a large single feed and remove uneaten food. Check that each fish gets food and maintain regular water changes.
Pairs perfectly with
- Tall aquarium plants and smooth driftwood with open swimming space
- Reliable heating, biological filtration and water tests
- Suitably sized tropical fish foods; frozen brine shrimp for dietary variety
NTA Insight:
When assessing a dark fish, look at feeding, posture and fin condition as well as colour. A rich colour alone does not tell you how well it is settling.
Before You Buy
Plan for adult dimensions, not just the sale size. Avoid fin nippers and companions small enough to be swallowed. Keeping juveniles together does not guarantee long-term harmony; pairs may drive other fish away as they mature.
The listed sale measurement is approximate, not a promise of adult size or maturity.
FAQ
Will every Black Angelfish be completely jet black?
The depth and coverage of black vary between individuals and with maturity and lighting. A uniform shade is not guaranteed.
Can Black Angelfish live with small tetras or shrimp?
They may eat small fish and shrimp as they grow. Select companions by adult size, behaviour and matching water requirements rather than treating any species list as a guarantee.
Does buying two guarantee a breeding pair?
No. Sex can be difficult to establish, and two fish may not form a compatible pair. Spawning and successful fry rearing are not guaranteed.