Black Lace Angelfish: The Ultimate Care Guide

By AFT Editorial • Last Update: September 28, 2025

The Black Lace Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most classic and elegant varieties in the aquarium hobby. Revered for its dusky, dark body and the intricate, lace-like patterns in its fins, this angelfish brings a touch of sophisticated beauty to any freshwater tank.

An elegant Black Lace Angelfish showcasing its dark body and the intricate lace pattern in its fins.

This expert guide provides a complete overview of Black Lace Angelfish care, diving deep into the specific genetics (D/+) that create their elegant, dusky appearance. On this page, we clarify the key differences between a true Black Lace and a Double Dark Black angelfish, helping you identify this classic variety. You will find detailed recommendations for the ideal tank setup to make their dark colors stand out, as well as essential information on diet, water parameters, and suitable tank mates. For the dedicated hobbyist, we also explore the fascinating genetic outcomes of breeding this beautiful fish.

Quick Facts

Black Lace Angelfish Fact Sheet
Topic	Details
Scientific Name	Pterophyllum scalare (Var. Black Lace)
Genotype	Single Dark Gene (D/+)
Care Level	Beginner to Intermediate
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Adult Size	Up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) or more in height
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair; 55+ gallons for a community
Tank Shape	A tall tank is absolutely essential for their health and comfort
Water Parameters	Temp: 76-82°F (24-28°C); pH: 6.0-7.5; Hardness: 3-10 dGH
Diet	Omnivore; varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods
Lifespan	10-15 years with proper care
Origin	One of the earliest domesticated color morphs; wild ancestors from South America

What Is a Black Lace Angelfish?

The Black Lace Angelfish is one of the oldest and most well-known color morphs of the freshwater angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare. Its unique appearance comes from a specific genetic trait: a single copy of the “Dark” gene (genotype D/+).

This single dark gene gives the fish a beautiful, dusky black coloration that is dark but not completely opaque. This translucency allows the intricate skeletal structure and patterns within the fins to remain visible, creating the stunning “lace” effect for which it is named.

Black Lace vs. Double Dark Black (Velvet) Angelfish

It’s crucial to distinguish the Black Lace from its close relative, the Double Dark Black Angelfish.

Black Lace Angelfish (D/+): Has one dark gene. The body is a smoky dark grey to near-black. The “lace” pattern in the fins is visible. When stressed, it may show faint vertical barring from its wild ancestors.
Double Dark Black / Black Velvet Angelfish (D/D): Has two dark genes. The body is a much deeper, more solid, and opaque black. The fin patterns are almost completely obscured, giving it a uniform, velvety appearance.

Appearance & Identification

The primary identifier for a Black Lace Angelfish is the combination of its dark body and detailed fins. The body color can range from a deep grey to a rich black, covering most of the fish. When healthy and viewed under good lighting, the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins will reveal a beautiful, intricate network of fine lines and swirls—the signature “lace.”

Temperament & Behavior

As a cichlid, the Black Lace Angelfish is semi-aggressive. Its behavior is consistent with other P. scalare varieties. They are generally peaceful community residents but will establish a pecking order. As they grow and form pairs, they can become very territorial, especially during breeding.

Tank Requirements & Habitat

Tank Size and Shape

A tall tank is non-negotiable. A 30-gallon tall aquarium is the minimum for a pair, with a 55-gallon tank or larger being ideal for a small group or community. The height is essential for their vertical growth and fin development.

Aquascape and Decor

The dark, elegant coloration of a Black Lace Angelfish looks particularly stunning against a backdrop of bright green live plants.

Plants: Create contrast with lush greenery like Amazon Swords, Anubias Nana, and Java Fern.
Driftwood: Tall, branching driftwood provides security and spawning surfaces.
Substrate: A lighter-colored sand or fine gravel substrate will make the dark fish stand out beautifully.

Water Parameters

Stable, clean water is paramount.

Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C).
pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5.
Filtration: Use a high-quality filter with an adjustable flow. For tanks 55 gallons and under, a hang-on-back filter like the Seachem Tidal 55 is an excellent choice due to its efficiency and ease of maintenance.

Diet and Feeding

Black Lace Angelfish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet.

Staple Diet: A high-quality tropical flake or small cichlid pellet should form the base of their diet. We recommend Omega One Freshwater Flakes for their excellent nutritional profile.
Supplements: Provide protein-rich frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms 2-3 times per week to encourage healthy growth and breeding behavior.

Breeding Black Lace Angelfish

Breeding Black Lace Angelfish is fascinating due to the genetic outcomes. The process is the same as other angelfish: a pair will clean a vertical surface and guard their eggs and fry.

Genetic Outcomes: When you breed two Black Lace Angelfish (D/+ x D/+), Mendelian genetics predict the offspring will be:

25% Silver Angelfish (+/+)
50% Black Lace Angelfish (D/+)
25% Double Dark Black Angelfish (D/D)

Side-by-side comparison of a Black Lace Angelfish and a Double Dark Black Angelfish — Side-by-side comparison image of a Black Lace Angelfish and a Double Dark Black Angelfish, highlighting their key visual differences.

This variety in the fry makes breeding Black Lace Angelfish a particularly rewarding project for hobbyists interested in genetics.

Sources

For a wider overview of care basics, see our Freshwater Angelfish pillar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Black Lace and a Black Velvet Angelfish?

A Black Lace has one dark gene (D/+), resulting in a dark body with visible 'lace' patterns in the fins. A Black Velvet has two dark genes (D/D), making it a deeper, solid black with little to no visible fin pattern.

Why does my Black Lace Angelfish sometimes show stripes?

The single dark gene in a Black Lace doesn't always completely mask the underlying wild silver pattern. When the fish is stressed, young, or in certain lighting, these faint vertical bars can become visible.

Are Black Lace Angelfish harder to care for?

No. Their care requirements are identical to other common varieties of freshwater angelfish. Their hardiness makes them a great choice for beginners with an appropriately sized tank.

Do they lose their color as they age?

No, a healthy Black Lace Angelfish should maintain its dark coloration throughout its life. Fading color is typically a sign of stress, poor water quality, or illness.

What happens when you breed two Black Lace Angelfish?

Due to their genetics (D/+), breeding two Black Lace Angelfish will result in a mix of offspring: approximately 25% will be Silver Angelfish (+/+), 50% will be Black Lace Angelfish (D/+), and 25% will be Double Dark Black Angelfish (D/D).

What is the best tank setup to show off a Black Lace Angelfish?

To make their dark coloration stand out, use a light-colored substrate (like white sand) and a background of vibrant green, live plants such as Amazon Swords or Anubias. Good lighting is also key to revealing the intricate 'lace' pattern in their fins.