Pterophyllum scalare

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Pterophyllum scalare, also called Black or Black Tiger, is a captive-bred variety of the common angelfish, recognized for its tall body and dark coloration. This South American cichlid remains one of the most popular aquarium fish because of its elegant shape, social behavior and relatively accessible breeding habits. The Black Tiger variety usually shows strong black coloration, sometimes combined with silver tones or darker bands. It still requires a tall aquarium, stable water and carefully selected tank mates, since adult fish may regard very small species as prey. Its commercial availability makes it a familiar choice for community aquariums.

General species description

Pterophyllum scalare belongs to the family Cichlidae and represents a selectively bred variety of Pterophyllum scalare. The species is recognized by its laterally compressed body, greatly extended fins and slow, often upright swimming style. The Black Tiger form is an ornamental selection widely available in the aquarium trade, making it very common in captivity. Despite its delicate appearance, the angelfish is a territorial cichlid, especially when a pair forms and begins spawning. Keeping a group of juveniles often allows pairs to form naturally, although adults may later defend a breeding area. A spacious, tall aquarium supports balanced growth and gives the fish room to maneuver.

Geographic origin and habitat

The nominal species comes from the Amazon Basin, including calm, vegetated areas of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and the Guianas. It inhabits floodplain environments, backwaters, quiet bays and slow margins associated with riverine forests. These habitats often contain soft, lightly mineralized water colored by plant matter, with subdued light filtered through dense vegetation. Natural conditions vary with the waterway and season, but stable tropical temperatures and slightly acidic to neutral water work well in aquaria. The Black Tiger variety is a captive-bred form and does not represent a distinct wild geographic population.

Precise location and local name

The historical locality associated with the species description is the Rio Negro in Brazil, although Pterophyllum scalare and populations of Pterophyllum scalare are associated with a much broader Amazonian range. In Brazil, the most common vernacular name is acará-bandeira, referring to the long fins that resemble a banner. Internationally, the names angelfish, freshwater angelfish, Black and Black Tiger are more commonly used in trade. These commercial names describe coloration rather than a precise geographic origin. Black Tiger should therefore be considered an aquarium selection of Pterophyllum scalare, not a distinct regional wild form.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Pterophyllum scalare has a strongly compressed, almost triangular body, with considerable total height when the fins are fully extended. The dorsal and anal fins extend the body’s outline, while the pelvic fins may develop into long filaments. In the Black Tiger variety, coloration ranges from smoky gray to deep black, with intensity influenced by age, mood, lighting and water quality. Some specimens retain metallic reflections or more visible bands. The body commonly reaches about 15 cm in length, while total height including the fins may approach 25 cm; a tall aquarium is therefore essential.

General diet

In nature, angelfish eat small aquatic invertebrates, larvae, tiny crustaceans and other prey captured around vegetation. In aquaria, Pterophyllum scalare accepts quality dry foods, but its diet should be varied with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. Juveniles benefit from small, frequent meals, while adults should be fed more moderately. A varied diet supports growth and coloration, but it cannot replace efficient filtration and regular maintenance. Avoid overfeeding, since uneaten food quickly reduces water quality and may contribute to digestive problems. Portion control is especially important in community aquariums.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Negro, in the historical locality associated with the description
• Local name used: Acará-bandeira
• Origin of the scientific name: Ancient Greek, referring to leaf-like fins
• Full-name etymology: Pterophyllum refers to a leaf or leaf-shaped fin; scalare means ladder-like
• Common/vernacular names: Angelfish, freshwater angelfish, freshwater scalaire, Black, Black Tiger
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Cichlinae
• Name pronunciation: ter-oh-FIL-um ska-LA-reh
• Discovery: Schultze, 1823
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm in length; up to 25 cm tall with fins
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 30 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: Calm water, shaded margins, roots, submerged branches and dense vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Corydoras agassizi, Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Brochis splendens, Otocinclus affinis
• Temperament and behavior: Usually peaceful, social and territorial during breeding; may eat very small fish
• Water depth: Calm, shallow to moderately deep areas, often near banks and vegetation
• Sexual dimorphism: Difficult to determine outside breeding; the genital papilla is more useful in mature spawning fish
• Bottom structure and flow: Muddy or sandy bottom, plant debris and low to moderate current

In your aquarium

To succeed with Pterophyllum scalare, provide a tall, mature aquarium with effective filtration, open swimming space and plants or roots that create visual landmarks. Keep the water stable, avoid sudden changes and offer varied food in reasonable portions. A group of juveniles can encourage natural pair formation, but a divider or separate aquarium may become necessary if territorial behavior intensifies. Very small fish and boisterous tank mates are poor choices. The essentials are adequate aquarium height, clean stable water, varied feeding and compatible companions.