The zebra lace angelfish offers a uniquely striking appearance. As its name suggests, thick vertical black and white bands run down its body like a zebra’s stripes. Accentuating the stripes are vibrant orange-red eyes, fins, and accents across the body. Its angelic shape and aura are certain to catch attention.
Introducing Zebra Lace Angelfish
Zebra lace angelfish have the iconic high, laterally compressed bodyshape of angelfish coupled with a beautiful black and white striped pattern. Usually bred from black lace angelfish, they also feature elegant extended fins and a bold reddish-orange color on the eyes, dorsal fin, and gill plates. The striking striped patterning makes them stand out in aquariums.
General Information
- Origin: Zebra lace angelfish originated from South America as selectively bred color variants of wild angelfish. They do not exist naturally in the wild.
- Size: At maturity, zebra lace angelfish reach 6-8 inches in length. Their bodies are significantly taller than they are wide.
- Lifespan: 10-15 years is common under ideal home aquarium care. Some may exceed 15 years.
- Temperament: Zebra lace angelfish have a relatively peaceful temperament, but can be mildly territorial towards other angelfish. They may eat much smaller fish.
- Appearance: Tall, oval-shaped laterally compressed bodies with elegant extended soft dorsal and anal fins. Their signature zebra striping pattern and reddish-orange accents on the fins and eyes make them exceptionally beautiful.
- Varieties: Aside from the classic zebra pattern, there are also gold and silver base color variations. Marble and leopard lace variations exist too.
- Price: $15-$35 is common, but show-quality specimens can cost from $50-$100 based on quality and availability.
Habitat & Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Zebra lace angelfish are human-developed color variants of wild angelfish originally from South America – the Amazon River basin.
- Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons is ideal. For pairs, provide at least 55 gallons. Larger tanks are always better.
- Water Parameters: Temperature 76-84°F, pH 6.0-7.0, water hardness 5-13 dGH.
- Tank Setup: Planted aquariums with driftwood pieces and subdued lighting best showcase their colors. Allow open swimming areas.
Feeding
- Diet: As omnivores, they eat a varied diet of brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, high-quality flakes, pellet foods, and also some plant matter.
- Feeding Habits: Zebra lace angelfish are active, aggressive feeders at all water levels. Feed them 2-3 times per day only what they can completely finish within 2 minutes.
- Suitable Foods: Frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp. Sinking pellets and flakes formulated for angelfish. Occasional vegetable matter.
Breeding
- Reproduction: Zebra lace angelfish form pairs and exhibit courting behaviors. They spawn on cleaned vertical surfaces. Parents care for the eggs until hatching.
- Breeding Requirements: Perform large water changes and feed high protein foods to prepare the pair for spawning. Provide a vertical smooth surface like a slate tile for them to lay eggs on.
- Spawning Process: The female deposits hundreds of eggs on the spawning surface, which the male then fertilizes. Eggs hatch in 3 days. Free-swimming fry appear in 6-8 days. Parents guard the eggs and small fry.
Common Health Issues
Zebra lace angelfish are susceptible to parasites like ich and intestinal worms along with bacterial infections. Maintain excellent water quality and varied diet to prevent illness. Quarantine and treat any diseases promptly.
Preventative measures include optimal water conditions, high-quality varied diet, observing fish behavior/appearance, and quarantining new additions. Seek help from an exotic fish veterinarian for persisting health problems.
Special Considerations
- Compatibility: Avoid fin nippers. Good tankmates include similar-sized tetras, barbs, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, danios, plecos, and cory cats.
- Special Instructions: Perform regular partial water changes using softened, slightly acidic water. Give them ample swimming space.
- Legal Restrictions: None. Zebra lace angelfish are quite common in the aquarium trade.
Suitable Zebra Lace Angelfish Tankmates
- Other angelfish varieties
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
- Tetras like neon, cardinal, rummynose
- Rasboras like harlequin
- Corydoras catfish
- Plecostomus
Differences Between Males & Females
Mature males develop a nuchal hump on the forehead and are generally larger than females. Males also display more intense coloration while females show subtler tones. Pairs exhibit courting behaviors and synchronized movements. Look for these cues to identify gender.
“How many species of Zebra lace angelfish?”
There is only one species – Pterophyllum scalare. Different color morphs like zebra lace are all the same species, developed through selective breeding.
“How to feed Zebra lace angelfish to make their color brighter?”
A diet rich in carotenoids from seafood, algae, and color-enhancing pellets bring out the rich red-orange tones. Spirulina also intensifies color.
“How Big do Zebra lace angelfish Grow?”
At maturity, zebra lace angelfish reach 6-8 inches in length in home aquariums. Some captive bred lines can surpass 8 inches long.
“How fast do Zebra lace angelfish grow?”
With optimal tank conditions, they grow to full adult size within 10-14 months. Their growth rate slows down significantly after they reach one year old.
“How long do Zebra lace angelfish live?”
The average lifespan is 10-15 years with proper tank maintenance and care. Some may exceed 15 years in optimal environments.
“How to take care of Zebra lace angelfish?”
Perform regular partial water changes, feed a varied diet, maintain warm, soft, acidic water, provide ample swimming space, use gentle lighting.
“Which food products are the best for Zebra lace angelfish?”
Recommended brands include Hikari, Cobalt Aquatics, Omega One, and New Life Spectrum angelfish formulas.
“Is good to keep Zebra lace angelfish as Pets?”
Yes, their graceful appearance, striped patterning, and elegant fins make zebra lace angelfish exceptional freshwater aquarium centerpiece fish.
“Why my Zebra lace angelfish die?”
Common causes include poor water quality, improper diet, bullying tankmates, diseases/infections, and general neglect. Address any issues promptly.
“Are Zebra lace angelfish Aggressive?”
Generally peaceful but can be mildly aggressive towards other angelfish. Manage this by providing adequate tank space and compatible tankmates.
“Do Zebra lace angelfish kill other fish?”
Healthy specimens rarely kill tankmates, though they may consume very small fish. Stressed or ill fish can show atypical aggression. Ensure proper conditions.
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