Learn Everything You Need to Know About Angelfish

Angelfish are numbered among of one of the largest families of vertebrates on the planet. The family Cichlidae encompasses over 1,300 scientifically identified species in 220 assorted genera. Previously undiscovered species are found and identified annually. Scientists speculate that there may be in excess of 3,000 species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. This family, referred to in laymen’s terms as cichlids, includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will tell you that angelfish are indigenous to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is true, this species also inhabits both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River systems. Substantial populations of this species exist within the borders of Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia as well as Brazil.

Cichlids have become ever more popular with freshwater aquarists since they started being exported by the aquarium industry after the conclusion of WWII. Angelfish are inarguably among the most popular and widely recognized freshwater fish on the planet. Their characteristic triangular profile makes them one of the most exotic looking freshwater species on the market. The selective breeding of these creatures has dramatically increased the assortment of angelfish on the open market. Angels come in a variety of color pallets, from solid black, gold, white, and silver to striped, marbled and Koi. Their abundance keeps their price very reasonable. They are a robust species that can thrive in a multitude of environmental parameters. Freshwater angels are among the least troublesome fish to care for. Their ease of care has definitely enhanced their increased popularity.

It is easy to underestimate an angel’s potential growth range. You should be aware that the angelfish on display in pet stores are usually quite young. These fish routinely reach six inches in diameter as adults. They can be maintained in a relatively small aquarium when they are young. A mature angelfish will require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons. A 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Angelfish are non-aggressive fish. These fish are excellent community dwellers. A note of caution: They will instinctively deem smaller varieties of fish as a tempting taste treat. Do not house them with species such as rasboras, zebra danios or guppies. You also do not want to mix them with fish like barbs and tetras. These are infamous fin nippers. An angelfish’s full, billowing fins are mouth-watering taste treat, just begging to be nibbled on.

Angelfish are omnivores. A healthy diet should consist of both plant and animal matter. Always choose a fish food prepared for omnivores as their main staple. A high quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish fit and full of vigor. Many fish keepers prefer to provide a variety of dietary supplements in addition to the main staple. Although this is not mandatory, it is a good practice. You might want to ask yourself; would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied regimen will help to guarantee optimum health. Crushed seaweed sheets make a wonderful supplement for omnivores. High protein dietary additives like brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms are great alternatives to common fish food. If you can not find them fresh, frozen and freeze-dried preparations are available commercially.

These fish inhabit South America. They prefer water on the acidic side of the pH scale. A pH factor of 6.8 and temperatures between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal environment. In an ideal environment an angelfish will live up to 10 years.

Angelfish Spawning

It is virtually impossible to differentiate between male and female angelfish until the breeding cycle is ready to commence. During the initiation of mating angelfishes' reproductive organs will manifest in the posterior region of their underbodies. Females will develop an ovipositor which basically amounts to an egg layer. Males will bear a narrow tube they will utilize for fertilization.

Angelfish engage in a unique courting ritual as a prelude to the breeding cycle. The couple will lock their mouths together and swirl around passionately. This affectionate foreplay is a sure fire sign that it is time to mate. The duo should be removed from the main aquarium and put in a breeding tank. The couple will clean a flat surface on which the eggs will be deposited. When a surface is suitably prepared, it is now time to lay the eggs.

Unlike a lot of fishes in the Amazon River, angelfish are unlikely to consume their new born. As a matter of fact, the proud parents will aggressively stand guard over their eggs until the newborn fry emerge. Once they are born, both male and female angelfish will steer their young from plant to plant for close to a week. At some undetermined time, the couple’s parental instinct will abruptly stop. The adults will now view their newborn as a food source. They should be moved without delay. Baby Fry should be fed liquid fry food or rotifers. Powdered eggs are a suitable alternative. In approximately one week the young fry’s diet can be changed to newly hatched brine shrimp.

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Keeping a fish in a fish tank that is too small could easily facilitate its death. A knowledgeable aquarist wouldn’t entertain the thought of trying to raise an angel an ultra-thin wall mounted aquarium. If you found my article helpful, discover more interesting tidbits about your favorite freshwater aquarium fish by visiting the Online fish guide.

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