Marble Angel
First described by Lichtenstein in 1823, the Pterophyllum scalare is better known to the aquarium hobby as the Angelfish. The Black Lace Angelfish is a farm raised color morph of the original Silver Angel. The body is a jet-black color with a hint of the darker stripes, with a dusky black fin color. Markings within the fins will have a reticulated, lacy pattern, often with elongated fins and ray extensions. Usually the body size is a bit smaller than other types of Angelfish in relationship to the fins.
The Angelfish used to be the King of the Aquarium, a title recently usurped by the Discus. The Angels are still one of the most graceful aquarium inhabitants, slowly gliding around the tank. They will require a fair amount of cover, either plants or driftwood to feel “at home”. Juveniles will school, and later they will start to pair off. Once the pair bond is established, the pair may become territorial and keep other Angels from “their” territory. Angels like to spawn after a water change and will clean a smooth, upright surface. This can be a large plant leaf, a piece of slate, or even the filter intake tube. The female will pass over the surface depositing a few eggs, then the male will pass over the area and fertilize the eggs. The pair will repeat this until all the eggs are laid, up to several hundred or more. The pair will fiercely defend their eggs until they hatch, usually within 3 days. The Angel pair will then try to herd the free-swimming fry for another day or two, before sending them on their way and getting ready to spawn again. A happy pair can spawn every 7 days for several weeks if conditions are right. Angels prefer softer, acidic water, but since nearly all are now farm raised, you may see spawning under less than natural conditions. As an omnivore, Angelfish will eat most prepared diets and love a treat of live worms. They will require good water quality, so frequent partial water changes are required. Tankmates can include most of the “community fish”, as long as they are too large to be eaten by the Angelfish and are not fin nippers. It is probably safe to say that almost everyone who has a freshwater aquarium has had Angelfish at one time or another.
Approximate arrival size for Black Lace Angel: Small: 1-2"; Medium: 2-3.5".
