Dark Angelfish

The Dark Angelfish carries one copy of the dark gene (D/d heterozygote), which significantly intensifies the black striping and darkens the silver body regions to a deep charcoal-grey. The overall effect is a more dramatic, high-contrast version of the standard silver angel with a noticeably imposing presence.

The dark gene acts in a dosage-dependent manner: one copy produces the dark phenotype, two copies produce the even more intensely black double dark. Breeding two dark angels together statistically produces 25% standard silver, 50% dark, and 25% double dark offspring.

Dark angels are fully hardy domesticated cichlids requiring no special care. Their dark colouration looks particularly striking in well-lit planted tanks and when kept alongside lighter-bodied fish for contrast.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 2–12, KH 1–6; good water quality prevents black areas from appearing faded. Tank: 150 L tall aquarium; light-coloured substrate and background maximise the dark fish's visual impact. Feeding: Quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and spirulina flake; feed 2–3 times daily. Breeding: Dark × dark pairings produce mixed phenotypes; select broodstock carefully if maintaining the dark strain. Compatibility: Suitable with medium community fish; slightly more assertive when spawning so provide adequate territory.