Dark Zebra Angel

Introduction: Welcome to the captivating world of the Dark Zebra Angel, a stunning and elegant freshwater fish known for its striking black and white striped pattern. This beautiful fish, a variety of the common angelfish, is native to the Amazon River basin in South America. The Dark Zebra Angel adds a touch of sophistication and grace to any aquarium, making it a favorite among aquarists due to its distinctive appearance and peaceful demeanor.

Scientific Name: The Dark Zebra Angel is scientifically known as Pterophyllum scalare. It is a variety of the common angelfish, distinguished by its bold zebra-like stripes.

Water Quality and Temperature: To ensure the health and well-being of the Dark Zebra Angel, provide an environment that mirrors its natural habitat:

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) for optimal comfort.
• pH Level: Keep the pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to replicate their natural freshwater conditions.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level between 3 to 10 dGH for a stable environment.
• KH Level: Maintain the carbonate hardness (KH) within the range of 1 to 5 dKH.

Feeding: The Dark Zebra Angel is an omnivorous fish with a varied diet. Provide a balanced diet that includes:

• Flake Foods: High-quality flake foods suitable for angelfish.
• Pellets: Nutrient-rich pellets designed for cichlids or angelfish.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to supplement their diet with protein.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like spinach and peas can be offered occasionally.

Tank Mates: The Dark Zebra Angel is generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially during breeding. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, gouramis, and corydoras. Avoid housing them with small fish that could be seen as prey or overly aggressive species that may stress or harm them.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: Use a fine gravel or sandy substrate to create a comfortable environment. Incorporate plants, driftwood, and rocks to provide hiding spots and create a natural setting. The Dark Zebra Angel enjoys having places to explore and will thrive in a well-decorated tank.

Suitable Plants: The Dark Zebra Angel appreciates a well-planted tank. Consider using plants like Amazon Sword, Java Fern, Anubias, and Vallisneria, which provide excellent cover and mimic their natural habitat.

Sexing: Sexing Dark Zebra Angels can be challenging as there are no obvious external differences between males and females. However, during breeding, males may exhibit more prominent dorsal and anal fins, and females may appear rounder due to carrying eggs.

Breeding: Breeding Dark Zebra Angels in captivity is relatively straightforward with the right conditions. Provide a breeding tank with flat surfaces such as broad leaves or a breeding slate for the female to lay her eggs. Maintain excellent water quality and perform regular water changes to encourage spawning. After spawning, both parents will guard the eggs, which will hatch in about 2 to 3 days. The fry should be fed on infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough to eat larger foods.

Maximum Size and Longevity: The Dark Zebra Angel typically grows to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length, with a height of up to 8 inches (20 cm) including fins. With proper care, they can live up to 10 years or more, providing long-term enjoyment and activity in your aquarium.

General Information: The Dark Zebra Angel is admired for its striking appearance and peaceful nature. Its adaptability to various water conditions and social behavior make it an excellent addition to community tanks.

A Fun Fact: Angelfish, including the Dark Zebra Angel, are known for their intelligent and curious behavior. They often recognize their owners and can be seen following their movements outside the tank, making them a delightful and interactive addition to any aquarium.