Black Lace Angelfish: One Dark Gene, and Why It Shows Lace
A single copy of the Dark gene (D/+) makes the fish dusky without making it opaque — and that leftover translucency is the whole reason the structure inside the fins reads as lace. Two copies, and the lace disappears.
| Scientific name | Pterophyllum scalare (Var. Black Lace) |
|---|---|
| Genotype | Single Dark Gene (D/+) |
| Adult size | Up to 6 in long, 8+ in tall with fins |
| Minimum tank | 29 gal tall (18 in) for a pair; 55+ gal for a community |
| Water | 76–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–10 dGH |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet | Omnivore; varied diet of flakes, pellets, and frozen foods |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years with proper care |
The Black Lace Angelfish is one of the oldest and most well-known color morphs of Pterophyllum scalare. Its appearance comes from a single copy of the "Dark" gene (genotype D/+), which gives the fish a dusky black coloration that's dark but not completely opaque — the translucency lets the skeletal structure and patterns within the fins remain visible, creating the "lace" effect for which it's named.
Where this page comes from, because it should affect how much weight you give it: I have never kept a Black Lace. This one is common enough that I cannot blame availability the way I can with the Double Dark — I simply never had one. What follows is the genetics, which is checkable and which I have taken care to get right, plus the general scalare care that applies to every variety on this site. What it is not is an account of watching the lace sharpen or fade as a fish matured, or the wild barring surface when one was stressed — the two claims here a keeper could check and I cannot. Weigh it against them.
Black Lace vs. Double Dark Black (Velvet) Angelfish
This fish and the Double Dark Black are both sold as a black angelfish, which is where most of the confusion about either of them starts.
- Black Lace (D/+): one dark gene; body is smoky dark grey to near-black; the "lace" pattern in the fins is visible; may show faint vertical barring from wild ancestors when stressed.
- Double Dark Black / Black Velvet (D/D): two dark genes; deeper, more solid, opaque black; fin patterns are almost completely obscured for a uniform, velvety appearance.
Appearance & Identification
The primary identifier is the combination of a dark body and detailed fins. Body color ranges from deep grey to rich black, covering most of the fish. Under good lighting, the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins reveal an intricate network of fine lines and swirls — the signature "lace."
Temperament & Behavior
As a cichlid, the Black Lace Angelfish is semi-aggressive, consistent with other P. scalare varieties: generally peaceful community residents that establish a pecking order, becoming territorial as they pair off for breeding.
Tank Requirements & Habitat
A tall tank is non-negotiable. A 29-gallon tall aquarium (18 in of height) is the minimum for a pair, with 55 gallons or larger ideal for a small group or community. Their dark, elegant coloration looks particularly striking against a backdrop of bright green live plants like Amazon Swords, Anubias Nana, and Java Fern, with tall driftwood for security and spawning surfaces. A lighter-colored sand or fine gravel substrate helps the dark fish stand out.
Water Parameters
Stable, clean water is paramount: 76–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5. Use a high-quality filter with adjustable flow.
Diet and Feeding
Black Lace Angelfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet: a high-quality tropical flake or small cichlid pellet as the base, supplemented with protein-rich frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms 2–3 times per week to encourage healthy growth and breeding behavior.
Breeding Black Lace Angelfish
Breeding follows the same process as other angelfish — a pair cleans a vertical surface and guards their eggs and fry — but the genetic outcomes are what make it fascinating. Breeding two Black Lace Angelfish (D/+ × D/+) predicts, by Mendelian genetics:
- 25% Silver Angelfish (+/+)
- 50% Black Lace Angelfish (D/+)
- 25% Double Dark Black Angelfish (D/D)
See our full breeding guide for the general process.
Related Angelfish
Double Dark Black Angelfish
Two copies of the Dark gene, which is one more than the Black Lace and one too many for the lace.
Black Angelfish
Two different fish are sold under this one name. Which is which, and how to tell them apart.
Marble Angelfish
A color morph with black patches falling irregularly over a silver body.
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.