Black Lace Angelfish Care Guide - Setup, Diet & Breeding

Black Lace Angelfish are a selectively bred form of the freshwater angelfish, recognised for their deep grey to black body colour and delicate, net-like patterning across the fins and flanks. The dark coloration can vary between individuals, with some showing a smoky silver base and others developing a much richer black appearance as they mature.

Their tall, laterally compressed body and elongated dorsal, anal and ventral fins give them an elegant, triangular profile. The vertical shape is especially striking when the fish glide through the aquarium, although it also makes them appear much larger than their body length suggests.

Like other angelfish, they are intelligent, observant cichlids that often learn to recognise their keeper and investigate activity outside the aquarium. They can be peaceful when young, but adults establish territories and may become assertive, particularly when pairing or defending a spawning site.

In nature, Pterophyllum scalare inhabit warm, quiet waters shaded by overhanging vegetation and flooded woodland. Their wild relatives move among roots, branches and aquatic plants, using their unusual body shape to manoeuvre through dense cover while searching for small prey.

Black Lace Angelfish are a cultivated colour variety of Pterophyllum scalare, a freshwater species native to tropical South America. Wild scalare angelfish occur in slow-moving rivers, flooded forests and tributaries across parts of the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo drainage regions.

A small group of Black Lace Angelfish should be housed in an aquarium of at least 200 litres, with a larger tank preferred as several adults mature and establish territories. A practical footprint is around 120 × 45 cm, while generous height is important; an aquarium approximately 120 × 45 × 50 cm or taller suits their deep-bodied form. Use a smooth sand or fine-gravel substrate, tall plants, driftwood and upright decor to create visual breaks and sheltered areas, while leaving open swimming space. Secure all decor firmly, as angelfish may investigate and rearrange their surroundings.

Adults can reach approximately 15 cm (6 in) in body length, excluding the fins, and may stand around 25 cm (10 in) tall from the top of the dorsal fin to the bottom of the anal fin. Females are often slightly shorter or more compact than males, although individual size varies and the sexes overlap considerably.

Black Lace Angelfish are omnivores and do best on a varied diet of quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods. Suitable additions include bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Occasional spirulina-based foods and other vegetable matter help broaden the diet, while young fish benefit from appropriately sized foods offered in small, regular meals.

Suitable tankmates include peaceful medium-sized tetras, larger rasboras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, bristlenose catfish, kuhli loaches and other robust community fish that appreciate warm water. Avoid very small species such as neon tetras, ornamental shrimp and tiny livebearer fry, which may be viewed as food by adult angelfish. Fin-nipping species, highly aggressive cichlids and fish that compete for the same territories are also poor choices. Angelfish may harass one another when kept in pairs or as adults, especially during breeding.

Black Lace Angelfish form pair bonds and usually spawn on a broad vertical surface such as a slate, plant leaf or aquarium panel. The female lays rows of adhesive eggs while the male fertilises them, and both parents may fan and guard the clutch. Eggs generally hatch after around two to three days, with free-swimming fry appearing several days later. Parents may raise the brood, although separate rearing is sometimes used because eggs and fry can be eaten by tankmates or inexperienced adults.

Black Lace Angelfish are difficult to sex reliably outside of breeding. Mature males may develop a broader forehead and a more substantial body, while females can appear slightly rounder, particularly when carrying eggs. The clearest distinction is the breeding tube: the female’s is broader and blunt, whereas the male’s is narrower and more pointed.