Half-Black Angelfish

The Half Black Angelfish is a popular and elegant angelfish variety known for its distinctive two-tone coloration. The front half of the body is typically silver or light-colored, while the rear half is deep black, creating a striking contrast. With their tall, triangular bodies and flowing fins, these angelfish add a sophisticated look to planted aquariums and are ideal as centerpiece fish.  

Half Black Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) – Complete Care Guide Description The Half Black Angelfish is a popular and elegant angelfish variety known for its distinctive two-tone coloration. The front half of the body is typically silver or light-colored, while the rear half is deep black, creating a striking contrast. With their tall, triangular bodies and flowing fins, these angelfish add a sophisticated look to planted aquariums and are ideal as centerpiece fish. Water Parameters Temperature: 25°C – 29°C pH: 6.0 – 7.5 Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (55+ gallons recommended for groups) Water Type: Soft to moderately soft, clean and stable Consistent and clean water conditions are essential for maintaining their coloration. Care & Maintenance Half Black Angelfish require a stable, well-structured environment: Provide a tall aquarium to accommodate their fin height Include plants, driftwood, and vertical décor Use gentle filtration with low to moderate flow Perform regular water changes (25–30% weekly) Avoid excessive lighting, as it can cause stress Maintaining water quality helps preserve their bold color contrast. Behaviour & Temperament This species is peaceful to semi-aggressive: Generally calm but may become territorial during breeding Can show mild aggression toward other angelfish if overcrowded Best kept as a pair or a group of juveniles Occupies middle to upper tank levels They display social hierarchy but are manageable in community setups. Suitable Tank Mates Choose peaceful, similarly sized companions: Larger Tetras (Cardinal, Rummy Nose) Rasboras Corydoras Catfish Dwarf cichlids Peaceful gouramis Tank mates should not be small enough to be eaten. Tank Mates to Avoid Avoid fin-nippers and aggressive species: Tiger Barbs Large aggressive cichlids Bettas Very small fish (may be prey) Fast, fin-nipping species These can damage fins or cause stress. Pro Tips Maintain excellent water quality to preserve color contrast Feed a balanced diet (flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods) Ensure adequate tank height for proper growth Avoid overcrowding to reduce aggression Add plants and décor to break line-of-sight Ideal for peaceful to semi-aggressive planted aquariums The Half Black Angelfish is a classic and visually striking variety that brings elegance and contrast to any aquarium. With proper care and a well-maintained setup, it thrives as a graceful and eye-catching centerpiece fish.