Double Dark Black Angelfish: Two Dark Genes, and No Lace
The solid black one. Two copies of the Dark gene (D/D) cover the wild pattern and the fin structure completely, which is exactly what separates it from the Black Lace — same gene, one dose more.
| Scientific name | Pterophyllum scalare (Var. Double Dark Black) |
|---|---|
| Common names | Double Dark Black, Black Velvet Angelfish, Black Angelfish |
| Genotype | Double Dark Gene (D/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 prepared and frozen foods |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years with proper care |
Often called the "true black angelfish" of the hobby, the Double Dark Black Angelfish gets its stunning, solid coloration from inheriting two copies of the "Dark" gene (D/D genotype). Unlike its single-gene counterpart, the Black Lace Angelfish, this double dose completely masks the underlying wild patterns and even the intricate structures within the fins — resulting in a deep, uniform, opaque black that's earned it the popular name "Black Velvet."
Where this page comes from, because it should affect how much weight you give it: I have never kept a Double Dark Black. I looked for them in local aquariums back when I was buying angelfish and never once found one for sale — which is worth saying in itself, because it is not a variety you should expect to walk in and find. 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 one of these fish grow up. Weigh it against people who have kept them.
Is It Actually a Double Dark? The Flashlight Test
Three different fish get sold as a black angelfish and only one is a Double Dark. The Angelfish Society separates them by genotype: Double Dark Black (D/D), Hybrid Black (D/M, D/Gm or D/g — one Dark allele paired with marble, gold marble or gold), and Black Lace (D/+). A good hybrid black is nearly as dark as a double dark, and across a shop tank you will not tell them apart.
You can make the fish tell you something, though. A double dark reads as opaque under normal lighting, but shine a torch straight at it, or photograph it with the flash on, and the pattern underneath comes through. That happens with the hybrids as well — and what shows is the useful part:
- Underlying stripes. Vertical wild-type barring hiding under the black. The fish is D/D or D/g.
- Underlying marbling. Irregular patches rather than bars. The fish carries a marble allele — D/M or D/Gm — so it is a hybrid black, not a double dark.
The torch rules a fish out rather than in. Marbling means it is definitely not a double dark; stripes narrow it to two. Two things separate those two: a double dark grows more slowly than a hybrid black, and it often develops a blue cast in the gill area as it matures.
Why this matters if you mean to breed. Double dark to double dark breeds true, which is the entire appeal. A hybrid black does not — pair two D/M fish and a quarter of the fry come out marble, not black. If you bought a pair meant to throw solid black fry and got a spread instead, the parents were probably hybrids.
Phenotypes, genotypes and the flash/flashlight observation follow The Angelfish Society's phenotype standard for the Dark locus (Black). The 1:2:1 outcome of a hybrid-to-hybrid pairing is ordinary Mendelian arithmetic from those genotypes rather than something they state. I have not run this test myself — I have never kept one of these fish, as the note above says.
Appearance & Identification
- Color: a deep, rich, solid black; a healthy, high-quality specimen shows minimal fading or blemishes.
- Texture: scales often lack the shine of other varieties, giving the fish a matte or "velvety" finish.
- Fins: solid black, without the visible patterns or "lace" seen in the Black Lace variety — the most reliable way to identify a true Double Dark Black.
Temperament & Behavior
Behavior is identical to other common angelfish varieties: semi-aggressive cichlids that establish a pecking order, generally peaceful in a suitable community but territorial as they mature and pair off for breeding. See our full Angelfish Tank Mates guide for compatible species.
Tank Requirements & Habitat
Care is the same as for other P. scalare varieties. A tall tank is essential — a 29-gallon tall (18 in) minimum for a pair, 55 gallons or larger ideal for a small group. To accentuate their dramatic coloration, use a light-colored substrate like white sand and a backdrop of vibrant green plants such as Java Fern and Anubias.
Water Parameters
76–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.0–7.5, hardness 3–10 dGH. Pristine water is key — perform weekly water changes of 25–30% to keep nitrates low and the fish healthy.
Diet and Feeding
A varied, high-protein diet is best: a high-quality cichlid pellet or flake as the primary food, with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp offered several times a week for variety and enrichment.
Breeding Double Dark Black Angelfish
Breeding this variety is fascinating because its genetic purity leads to very predictable outcomes:
- Double Dark Black × Double Dark Black (D/D × D/D): breeds true — 100% of offspring will be Double Dark Black.
- Double Dark Black × Silver Angelfish (D/D × +/+): 100% of offspring will be Black Lace Angelfish (D/+).
The breeding process itself is identical to that of most freshwater angelfish — see our full breeding guide for details, and our Freshwater Angelfish pillar page for a wider overview of care basics.
Related Angelfish
Black Angelfish
Two different fish are sold under this one name. Which is which, and how to tell them apart.
Black Lace Angelfish
One copy of the Dark gene: dark, but still translucent enough for the fin rays to read as lace.
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 Double Dark Black Angelfish?
A Double Dark Black has two dark genes (D/D), making it solid, opaque black. A Black Lace has only one dark gene (D/+), resulting in a slightly less intense color and visible 'lace' patterns in its fins.
Do Double Dark Black Angelfish breed true?
Yes. When you breed two Double Dark Black (D/D) parents, 100% of the fry will also be Double Dark Black.
Why does my black angelfish look grey or washed out?
This can be caused by stress, poor water quality, or illness. However, it might also mean your fish is a Black Lace Angelfish, which is naturally less intensely black than a Double Dark.
Are Double Dark Black Angelfish rare?
They are generally less common in chain pet stores than standard varieties but are readily available from dedicated breeders and specialty local fish stores.
Do they require any special care compared to other angelfish?
No, their care requirements are identical to other varieties of Pterophyllum scalare. The primary needs are a tall tank, clean water, and a quality diet.