Black Lace Angelfish

The Black Lace Angelfish is produced by combining the dark gene with the standard stripe pattern, resulting in a fish whose black markings spread and interconnect to create an ornate lacework of dark pigmentation over a silver-grey background. The effect is more complex and finely detailed than the bold stripes of the standard silver or the blocks of the double dark strain.

Black lace is a heterozygous dark phenotype — carrying one copy of the dark gene — and when bred together will statistically produce 25% standard silver, 50% black lace, and 25% double dark offspring. This makes them an interesting choice for aquarists wishing to explore angelfish genetics.

Black lace angels are fully hardy and adapt well to a wide range of community setups. Their dark coloration can fade slightly in very hard or alkaline water, so softer, slightly acidic conditions are ideal.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–10, KH 1–5; slightly soft and acidic water preserves darkest colouration. Tank: 150 L tall aquarium; light-coloured background and substrate create maximum contrast with the lace patterning. Feeding: Quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia; feed 2–3 times daily. Breeding: Black lace × black lace produces mixed dark phenotypes; separate fry by colour to maintain strain purity. Compatibility: Compatible with medium community fish; as with all angels, avoid fin-nippers and small nano species.