Black Lace Angel Fish
Common Names: Angelfish, Black Angel, Lace Angel
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum Scalare
Maximum Size: 6 - 8 inches in length; 12 inches in height
Life expectancy: 10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 75 - 82°F
pH Range: 5.8 - 7.0
Water hardness: dH 1 - 5
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: South America
Aquarium Setup:
Black Lace Angel Fish need large tanks due to their sizes and fin spans, but the tank should also be tall. Angel’s like to swim up and down, but they can reach as much as ten inches in height with their long fins. They love well planted aquariums and lot’s of plants will also help in keeping the water clean, adding oxygen and preventing the growth of algae.
Broad leaf plants such as Sword plants should be used to give Angel’s lots of choices for laying their eggs. Rocks and driftwood can also be used, just make sure you allow plenty of swimming space.
Diet:
Angel fish will eat almost any commercial fish food and can survive on flakes alone. But, for optimized health they should be given a variety of foods.
Live food is a very good choice for an occasional treat! Brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, guppy feeder fish and even earthworms that are finely chopped are favorites with Angel fish. They will also eat frozen and dried foods such as blood worms, shrimp and dried crabs. A variety in diet is especially beneficial during breeding.
Tank Mates/Community:
Angel fish usually get along well with most community fish. Avoid any smaller fish that the Angel can consider food and never add fin nipping fish to the tank.
Angel’s have been kept with other Angel fish, tetras, algae eaters, sharks and gouramis. Angel’s will get along better and be happier if there are groups of them in the same tank.
Behavior:
In a show of dominance, Angel’s will lock lips almost as if in an intimate kiss! Though if you watch them closely you’ll soon realize that it’s an act of aggression as they push each other as hard as they can. These displays are interrupted long enough to get some fresh air and rest and then are resumed! This behavior may continue over and over for a period of time.
They will also often peck at each other and swim in circles to show that they are the king of the tank. This normally doesn’t result in any injuries and is just their way of demonstrating power.
Color:
Black Lace Angel’s bodies are a jet black, but there will be noticeable vertical stripes that are a darker black. The fins will have a lacey pattern and dusky black colors.
Breeding:
As Angel fish mature they form pairs and establish bonds. These couples become territorial and will keep other fish away from their chosen areas.
A water change will often help to induce spawning. They will choose a smooth upright surface such as a rock, plant leaf or filter tube and clean it thoroughly to deposit the eggs on. The female will swim over the surface and lay a few eggs at a time. The male will then pass over and fertilize the eggs. This process is repeated over and over until several hundred eggs are fertilized.
Angel’s become fierce when protecting their eggs from predators. They will guard the eggs until they hatch which can take up to 3 days. Once the fry are hatched the parents will try to keep them herded in groups for several more days before they are free to roam the tank.
A happy pair of Angel fish will spawn an average of once per week for a period of several weeks as long as tank conditions are right.
In the wild optimal breeding conditions are soft, acidic water. But, with the majority of Angel’s being raised on farms, they are able to breed in less than perfect water conditions.
Interesting Notes:
Angel fish like to stay parallel to each other! When one Angel turns around, the other one will usually follow suit and turn to align up with it.
In most instances where there’s a small Angel fish and a large one, the smaller fish will keep it’s body aligned with the large one! It is thought this may be a means of protection from predators since the Angel’s eyes are on the sides of it’s head.
Another prominent characteristic of Angel’s is curiosity, although this curious nature is directed more towards food! If you touch the outside of the tank with your finger or other object, the Angel’s mouth will move along with it!
