Black Marble Angel

Introduction: The Black Marble Angelfish is a stunning freshwater fish prized for its dramatic black marbled coloration and elegant body shape. They are a popular choice for aquariums due to their beauty and relatively peaceful temperament.

Scientific Name: Pterophyllum scalare (with “Black Marble” being a selectively bred color variation)

Water Quality: Black Marble Angelfish prefer pristine, well-maintained aquariums. Regular partial water changes are crucial.

• pH Level: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
• GH Level: 5 – 15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• KH Level: 3 – 8 dKH (moderately low to moderately high carbonate hardness)

Feeding: Black Marble Angelfish are omnivores. Offer a high-quality flake food as a staple, along with brine shrimp, bloodworms, and frozen or live daphnia for variety.

Tank Mates: These angelfish are generally peaceful, but tank mates should be chosen carefully. Good options include tetras, dwarf gouramis, Corydoras catfish, and peaceful barbs. Avoid housing them with fin nippers or fish small enough to be seen as prey.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: Use a soft sand or gravel substrate to protect their delicate fins. Angelfish appreciate tall plants for cover and hiding places. Driftwood and rocks can also be used to create a natural environment.

Suitable Plants: Swordtails, Vallisneria, Amazon Swordplants, and Water Sprite are all good choices. Avoid plants with sharp edges that could damage their fins.

Sexing and Breeding: Breeding Black Marble Angelfish can be achieved in a well-established aquarium. Sexing them visually is difficult when young, but mature females will have a more rounded belly than males.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Black Marble Angelfish can grow up to 6 inches tall and 8 inches long. With proper care, they can live for 8-10 years.

Behavior: These angelfish are generally peaceful, but they can be territorial, especially around breeding time. They are curious and intelligent fish that can learn to recognize their caretaker.

Things to Consider Before Buying:

• Black Marble Angelfish require a larger tank (at least 55 gallons for a single fish or a mated pair) due to their adult size.
• They are not suitable for tanks with very active fish or fish with a reputation for fin nipping.
• Regular water changes are essential for their health.

General Information: Black Marble Angelfish are a selectively bred color variation of the wild Pterophyllum scalare. They are relatively easy to care for compared to some other angelfish varieties.

Fun Fact: Black Marble Angelfish can form strong bonds with their tank mates, and some owners report them even recognizing their human caretaker!