About the Black Angelfish The Black Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is a popular aquarium fish known for its deep black coloration. It's a relatively peaceful cichlid with a tall, thin body, unlike many other cichlids. While native to South America, most Black Angelfish in the hobby are tank-raised. They thrive in heavily planted aquariums with driftwood or rock formations and prefer gentle water flow. Husbandry & Care Temperament: Semi-Aggressive Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons Water Temperature: 76-86 °F Water pH: 6.0-8.0 Social Group: Can live alone, in a breeding pair, or small group. Despite aquarists having kept Angelfish alone within a community aquarium with other species, they thrive in larger community aquariums with a loose social group. Diet: Carnivorous; Commercial Flakes, Frozen Brine Shrimp or Bloodworms, Tubifex Worms, Live Brine Shrimp Compatible with: Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetras, Bristlenose Plecos, Apistogramma sp., German Blue Rams, Bolivian Rams, Catfish (Corydoradinae)