Pinoy Black Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Overview

The Pinoy Black Angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, is a refined freshwater angelfish with a tall cichlid profile, long fins and a deep graphite-to-black body colour. This listing is the standard Pinoy Black line, supplied at around 4–5 cm or 5–7 cm (choose the size), without a guarantee of a separate long-fin strain. One selected quantity supplies one unsexed fish, not a pair; shade, fin span and exact length vary.

It is a strong centrepiece choice for aquarists who want the classic angelfish shape in a darker, more dramatic strain. In a planted aquarium the body can look almost velvet black, while stronger lighting may reveal a blue or green sheen depending on the individual fish and the way it is viewed. The effect is elegant rather than loud: a slow-moving, vertical fish with real presence.

This is still a cichlid, so the best results come from a mature aquarium, stable water and tank mates chosen around adult angelfish behaviour. At 4–7 cm it is manageable to settle in, but it should be planned as a fish that can reach around 15 cm body length with a much taller fin span.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Pterophyllum scalare
• Supplier identity: Pterophyllum scalare / Pinoy black
• Supplied size: approximately 4–5 cm or 5–7 cm (choose the size)
• Adult guide: around 15 cm body length, taller including fins
• Care level: moderate
• Temperament: peaceful to semi-territorial cichlid
• Best setup: tall, mature planted aquarium with calm flow
• Delivery: UK live-animal courier with Live Arrival Guarantee

Visual Effect And Display

The appeal of the Pinoy Black Angelfish is contrast. Against green plants, pale sand or warm driftwood, the dark body gives the aquarium a clear focal point without needing bright colour. The tall dorsal and anal fins make the fish look larger and more architectural as it glides through open water.

Compared with a standard Black Angelfish, this Pinoy Black trade form can show a subtle metallic cast under the right lighting; depth of colour varies and the label does not certify a particular genetic pedigree. Compared with koi, marble or gold angelfish, it is much more understated. It suits aquascapes where you want one premium dark feature fish rather than a busy mix of colours.

Individual shade can vary, especially as juvenile fish grow. Give the fish time to settle before judging its final depth of colour. Stress, pale substrate, poor diet or unsuitable tank mates can all make angelfish look washed out.

Care Planning Range

For captive-bred Pterophyllum scalare, use a stable tropical range rather than chasing a single number: 24-30C, pH 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Plan for an adult size of around 15 cm body length and a tall aquarium with enough vertical swimming room. This is a long-term commitment, not a fixed lifespan promise.

For this angelfish, the safe long-term plan is a tall aquarium of around 200 litres or more, especially for a display community or a small group. A smaller tank may hold juveniles temporarily, but it does not give mature angelfish the same stability, height or room to manage territories.

If your tap water is very hard, stability still matters more than sudden correction. Make changes slowly, test regularly and avoid abrupt swings in pH, hardness or temperature.

Tank Setup

Angelfish are tall-bodied cichlids, so they need swimming room and vertical space. A well-planned aquascape with open water, driftwood, plants and shelter helps them feel secure while still allowing their fins and shape to be fully appreciated.

What they need

• A mature freshwater aquarium with excellent filtration and regular maintenance
• Open swimming lanes alongside planted or sheltered areas
• Gentle to moderate water movement rather than a harsh current
• A secure lid, because startled angelfish can jump
• Smooth decor with no sharp edges that could damage fins
• Stable temperature, pH and hardness with no sudden corrections

Planted tanks, Amazon-style layouts and calm community aquariums are all good options. Tall plants such as Vallisneria, swords and stem plants create vertical structure, while driftwood and broad leaves provide resting and spawning surfaces. Avoid overcrowding the centre of the tank, as angelfish prefer to glide through open water and inspect their surroundings.

For more general background, see our mature tropical aquarium setup guide and browse the full freshwater angelfish collection.

Diet & Feeding

Pinoy Black Angelfish are omnivorous and do best on a varied, high-quality diet. Use a good flake, soft granule or small cichlid pellet as the staple, then rotate suitable frozen foods such as bloodworm, mysis or daphnia in sensible portions.

Feeding tips

• Offer small portions rather than one heavy feed
• Watch that the angelfish gets food before faster tank mates take it all
• Remove uneaten food to protect water quality
• Use variety to support growth, condition and fin health

Overfeeding is a common cause of water-quality problems. A deep-bodied cichlid that is fed well and kept in clean water will show better finnage, stronger posture and more confident behaviour.

Tank Mates & Temperament

Angelfish are usually calm but should not be treated as tiny community fish. They are cichlids, and adults can become semi-territorial, especially if a pair forms. Their long fins also make them poor companions for nippy or frantic species.

Good tank mates

• Corydoras catfish and other peaceful bottom dwellers
• Bristlenose plecos and similar calm algae grazers
• Larger peaceful tetras that cannot be swallowed
• Rainbowfish or calm mid-water fish in spacious tanks
• Peaceful gouramis, chosen carefully for temperament and tank size

Avoid

• Neon tetras, tiny rasboras and other fish small enough to be eaten by adults
• Tiger barbs, serpae tetras or other fin-nippers
• Large aggressive cichlids
• Very boisterous fish that crowd or stress angelfish
• Dwarf shrimp, which may become food

Compatibility depends on tank size, aquascape, group numbers and individual temperament. Young angelfish often settle well together, but adults may pair and defend a territory. If you are adding this fish to an existing community, check the adult size and behaviour of every tank mate before ordering.

Breeding

Breeding Pterophyllum scalare is possible in the home aquarium, but it is best treated as a planned project. Pairs usually form naturally and may choose broad leaves, slate, wood or even filter equipment as a spawning surface.

Parents can become protective of eggs and fry, and inexperienced or stressed pairs may eat their first spawns. A quiet tank, stable water and minimal disturbance make success more likely. Most keepers should enjoy the Pinoy Black Angelfish as a display fish first, then consider breeding once the fish are settled and mature.

Choosing This Strain

Choose this listing when you want the dark Pinoy look at a 4–5 cm or 5–7 cm settling-in size. If you are comparing angelfish strains, the ordinary Black Angelfish is a separate dark trade form, the Pinoy Green Ghost line is a different pale-and-green expression, and Manacapuru or koi types are chosen for warmer red, orange or marbled patterning. This listing is for the deep Pinoy Black look, and shade or finnage should not be assumed identical to those neighbouring strains.

The best display position is mid-water in a tank with height, open swimming lanes and darker planting behind the fish. A dark background can make the body look richer, while too much bright overhead light can flatten the effect. Use floating plants or tall stems if the fish seems shy during the first week.

Settling-In Checklist

• Prepare a cycled, heated aquarium before ordering
• Match temperature carefully on arrival and acclimate slowly
• Keep lights dim for the first few hours
• Do not feed heavily on the first day
• Watch existing tank mates for fin-nipping or chasing
• Test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate if the fish hides or breathes quickly

Angelfish often need a short settling period after transport. A calm tank, clean water and patient acclimation usually reveal better posture and deeper colour than trying to force the fish into display immediately.

Health & Common Issues

The biggest threats to angelfish health are poor water quality, stress, unsuitable tank mates and sudden changes in conditions. A stable aquarium with sensible stocking is the best preventative measure.

Watch for

• Clamped fins or fading colour from stress
• Frayed fins from nipping or sharp decor
• Loss of appetite or hiding
• Rapid breathing or unusual hovering
• White spots, excess mucus or other visible signs of disease

Quarantine is strongly recommended for any new fish where possible. If a fish appears unwell, test the water first, check for aggression and seek specialist aquarium advice promptly. Angelfish can be sensitive to abrupt changes, so make any corrections gradually.

Buying From Us

When you order from Tropical Fish Co, your fish are selected and packed with live-animal welfare in mind. This Pinoy Black Angelfish is supplied at around 4–5 cm or 5–7 cm and should be acclimated slowly into a cycled, suitable aquarium.

Eligible livestock travels by UK live-animal courier and is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Please make sure someone is available to receive the delivery, dim the aquarium lights where possible and follow the arrival instructions carefully.

• Premium dark freshwater angelfish strain
• Supplied at a practical 4–5 cm or 5–7 cm settling-in size
• Best for tall, mature aquariums with calm tank mates
• Live Arrival Guarantee for eligible livestock deliveries

If you want a darker freshwater centrepiece with calm movement and a strong planted-tank silhouette, the Pinoy Black Angelfish is a beautiful choice for a prepared aquarist.