Maintaining a Fit & Healthy Angelfish

Angelfish belong to one of the largest families of vertebrates on the planet. The family Cichlidae encompasses over 1,300 scientifically classified species in 220 different genera. New species are being classified to this family annually. Scientists speculate that there could be as many as 3,000 species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. The family Cichlidae, referred to in laymen’s terms as cichlids, also includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will indicate that angelfish are indigenous to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is in fact true, this species also inhabits both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River systems. Angelfish populations are common throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia in addition to Brazil.

These fish are exceptionally elegant creatures. These fish are indeed the most popular species available to fish lovers. Their unique appearance definitely contributed to their massive popularity. These fish come in a multitude of patterns and colors, from unembellished to striped, veined, black, golden, or Koi. Because of their popularity they can be found at nearly every shop that carries. Angels are exceptionally easy on the wallet. Angelfish are among the simplest fish to keep.

Many amateur aquarists do not realize how large an adult angelfish actually is. You should be aware that the fish you see in pet shops are usually juveniles. Angels usually reach six inches in diameter as adults. They can be kept in a relatively small volume of water as juveniles. A mature angelfish will require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons. A 20 gallon fish tank is preferable.

Angelfish have mild mannered temperaments. Angelfish make perfect candidates for a multi-species fish tank. A word of advice: They will instinctively view smaller community dwellers as a food source. Avoid mixing them with smaller varieties such as rasboras, zebra danios or fancy guppies. You will also want to avoid mixing them with fish such as barbs and tetras. These are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish’s full, billowing fins will make for a delectable taste treat, too tempting to bypass.

This is an omnivorous species. A healthy diet should contain both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to purchase a fish food developed for omnivores as a main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish healthy and happy. Many fish keepers prefer to provide an assortment of nutritional choices in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not mandatory, it is a good practice. Would you want to have the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied regimen will help to prevent the possibility of any nutritional deficiencies. Crushed seaweed sheets are a wonderful dietary supplement for omnivores. High protein supplements like brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms will properly address the need for animal matter. Frozen and freeze dried preparations are easy to find and make an excellent substitute for live food.

As natives of South America, angelfish are considered a tropical species. Angelfish prefer warmer water. A temperature range of 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. Angels are a relatively long lived species. If properly care for you can expect them to live in excess of 10 years of age.

Angelfish Reproduction

It is nearly impossible to make a distinction between the sexes before the mating cycle. Shortly before spawning angelfishes' reproductive organs will appear in the posterior region of their underbodies. Females will exhibit an ovipositor which basically amounts to an egg layer. Males will bear a narrow tube that will be used for the purposes of fertilization.

Angelfish practice an interesting courting ritual as a prelude to the reproduction process. The couple will intertwine their mouths together and whirl around madly. This dizzying foreplay is a good indication that the time for mating has arrived. A proper nursery must be prepared before the eggs are deposited. The couple will groom a flat surface to function as a hatchery. With a surface is correctly arranged, the eggs are laid and fertilized.

Unlike many inhabitants of the Amazon River, angels will not ingest their babies. Just the opposite, angelfish are known to stand guard over their eggs through the 3-4 day gestation period. Once hatched, the new parents will drive their brood from plant to plant for the next several days. At some undetermined time, the adult’s parental instinct will disappear. The couple will now view their young as a means of nutrition. They should be moved without delay.

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Trying to raise any certain species of fish in an aquarium that is too small is a recipe for disaster. A wise fish owner wouldn’t consider trying to raise an angelfish in a 5 gallon nano fish tank. If you enjoyed this article, learn more up to date info about the world’s favorite freshwater aquarium fish by visiting the Online fish guide.

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