Pterophyllum scalare

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Pterophyllum scalare — Black Marble

Pterophyllum scalare, known as Black Marble, is a captive-bred variety of the South American freshwater angelfish in the family Cichlidae. Its very tall body, extended fins, and black-and-silver marbled pattern have made it a classic choice for Amazonian-style aquariums. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a territorial cichlid that needs a tall, carefully arranged, and stable aquarium. This variety is very common in the aquarium trade and usually comes from captive-bred lines. It can work in a peaceful community aquarium when tank mates are chosen carefully and are large enough not to be swallowed.

General species description

The angelfish is a freshwater cichlid with a laterally compressed body and a distinctly vertical profile. The Black Marble variety retains the species’ typical shape but has an irregular pattern combining black, gray, and silver. Young fish may change in intensity according to mood, social rank, and lighting. Pterophyllum scalare is usually peaceful when given enough space, but becomes territorial during breeding. It mainly occupies the middle and upper levels of the aquarium, where its long fins benefit from moderate flow. A group of juveniles often allows pairs to form naturally. Once adults, however, they should be monitored for chasing and the defense of spawning sites.

Geographical origin and habitat

Countries of reference: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana, within the Amazon Basin and nearby drainage systems. In the wild, the species inhabits slow-moving tributaries, flooded areas, and forested waters where the current is gentle. These environments are often shaded by riverside vegetation and flooded forest. The water may be clear, tea-colored, or slightly turbid, depending on the location and season. The habitat includes roots, submerged branches, and aquatic or marginal plants. In an aquarium, soft to moderately mineralized water, subdued lighting, and vertical cover better reflect its natural conditions than a very open layout with strong circulation.

Precise location and local name

Pterophyllum scalare is associated with the Amazon River Basin and several of its tributaries, particularly in Amazonian regions of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Its natural range is broad and is not limited to one collection locality. In Brazil, its most common local name is acará-bandeira, referring to fins held like a banner. In English, it is commonly called freshwater angelfish. Black Marble refers to the aquarium color pattern, not to a separate geographic population. Fish offered in the trade are generally produced through controlled breeding.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Pterophyllum scalare has a strongly compressed body that is much taller than it is long. The dorsal and anal fins extend backward, while the pelvic fins become long trailing filaments. In the Black Marble form, a silver or gray base color is covered by irregular black patches and markings; each fish has a different pattern. The fins may also contain dark areas. Overall height, including the fins, can approach 25 to 30 cm, which is why adults benefit from an aquarium at least 50 cm tall. Its mouth is relatively small, but it can swallow very small fish.

General diet

Angelfish are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet. A quality staple food, offered as sinking pellets or small flakes, can be supplemented with frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. Juveniles should receive small, frequent meals to support growth. Adults also appreciate protein-rich foods, but overfeeding can promote obesity and reduce water quality. A balanced diet containing both animal matter and plant ingredients supports coloration and vitality. It is best to offer small portions once or twice daily and remove them quickly if they are not eaten.

Essential data

• River of origin: Amazon River and its tributaries
• Local name: acará-bandeira
• Origin of the scientific name: the genus refers to the leaf-like shape of the fins; the species name evokes a ladder-like profile
• Etymology of the full name: Pterophyllum means “leaf fin”; scalare means “ladder-shaped”
• Common/vernacular names: freshwater angelfish, angelfish, scalaire, Black Marble
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Cichlinae
• Name pronunciation: ter-oh-FIL-um ska-LA-reh
• Discovery: Martin Heinrich Carl Lichtenstein, 1823
• Maximum adult size: about 15 cm body length; up to 25–30 cm tall with fins
• Water temperature and pH: 24–30 °C; pH 6.0–7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: slow water, shaded areas, roots, branches, and flooded-forest vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Carnegiella strigata, Hemigrammus rhodostomus, Otocinclus affinis, peaceful small loricariids
• Temperament and behavior: generally peaceful, schooling as a juvenile, territorial and protective while spawning
• Water depth: calm, shallow to moderately deep areas, often near banks and vegetation
• Sexual dimorphism: difficult to determine outside breeding; the genital papilla is the best clue in adults ready to spawn
• Bottom structure and flow: muddy or sandy substrate with plant debris, slow to moderate current

In your aquarium

For success with Pterophyllum scalare, choose a tall, mature, well-filtered aquarium with stable water and no excessive turbulence. Hardy plants, roots, and vertical surfaces provide structure and spawning sites. Avoid tiny, fin-nipping, or overly boisterous tank mates; an adult angelfish may treat very small fish as food. A group of juveniles can be kept initially, but adults need more space once pairs form. Stable parameters, good-quality food, and regular water changes are essential for healthy growth and intact fins. Tank height and tank-mate compatibility are the two points most often underestimated.