Black Veil Tail Angelfish - Pterophyllum scalare

Black Veil Tail Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

The Black Veil Tail Angelfish is an elegant freshwater cichlid admired for its deep black colouration, tall triangular body and extended flowing fins. Its dramatic veil-tail finnage gives the fish a graceful appearance, making it a striking centrepiece for larger planted community aquariums. Generally peaceful when young but increasingly territorial as it matures, this variety is best kept with suitably sized tankmates and plenty of vertical swimming space.

Common Name:
Black Veil Tail Angelfish, Black Veil Angelfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pterophyllum scalare

Maximum Size:
Approximately 15 cm body length, with a considerably greater overall height including the fins

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Black Veil Tail Angelfish is a selectively bred ornamental form of Pterophyllum scalare.

Wild angelfish originate from slow-moving rivers, tributaries and floodplain habitats in South America, where they are associated with submerged roots, branches, dense vegetation and areas of gentle water movement.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

Black Veil Tail Angelfish are generally calm but can become territorial as they mature, particularly when forming pairs or spawning.

They are best housed with peaceful to moderately robust tankmates that are too large to be viewed as prey and unlikely to nip their long fins.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet including high-quality cichlid flakes or pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworm, daphnia and other suitably sized foods.

A varied feeding routine helps maintain healthy body condition, strong colouration and good fin development.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 180 litres

A tall aquarium is particularly important because the extended dorsal, anal and veil-tail fins require substantial vertical swimming space.

Larger aquariums are recommended for groups or breeding pairs.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Black Veil Tail Angelfish is a graceful midwater swimmer that spends much of its time moving slowly between plants, wood and open areas.

Juveniles can often be maintained in groups, although mature fish may form pairs and defend established territories.

Provide tall plants, driftwood and visual barriers while leaving ample open swimming space.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish / Semi-Aggressive

Black Veil Tail Angelfish can be maintained successfully in larger community aquariums with carefully selected tankmates.

Suitable companions include peaceful medium-sized tetras, Corydoras, larger rasboras, peaceful catfish and other fish with similar water requirements.

Avoid very small fish that may eventually be viewed as prey, as well as aggressive or persistent fin-nipping species.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a tall, mature aquarium with stable water chemistry and gentle to moderate filtration.

The extended veil fins are more vulnerable to damage than standard angelfish fins, so avoid sharp décor and aggressive fin-nipping tankmates.

Good water quality is important for maintaining healthy fin condition and reducing the risk of deterioration around damaged fin edges.

Angelfish can become territorial during breeding, and established pairs may defend a section of the aquarium against other fish.

Regular partial water changes and a varied diet are important for long-term health.

Because this is a selectively bred black veil variety, the depth of black colouration and length of the fins may vary naturally between individuals.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.