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Angelfish Care & Breeding

By: Stephen Broy

Angelfish, Pterophyllum Scalare, are cataloged in the family Cichlidae. This family is frequently referred to as cichlids. Angels are endemic to the Amazon River.

These fish are graceful creatures. They are unquestionably the most widespread fish among fish lovers throughout the world. Their distinctive dimensions absolutely facilitated their immense popularity. Angels come in a multitude of body colors and patterns, from unadorned to banded, marbled, black, golden, or Koi. They are inarguably among the most readily obtainable fish on the market. Angels are extremely reasonably priced. Freshwater angels are effortless fish to keep in good physical shape.

While angels will not grow anywhere near the size of an oscar or a discus, they are not a small species. You should be conscious of the fact that the fish on display in pet shops are generally juveniles. Angelfish normally reach approximately half a foot in length as adults. They can be housed in a relatively small volume of water when they are young. A fully grown angel, however, should not be housed in tank under 10 gallons in size. A 20 gallon aquarium is preferable.

Angelfish have docile characters. Angelfish are excellent community dwellers. These fish will, however, perceive smaller tank mates as a food source. You do not want to mix them with smaller fish like rasboras, glofish and guppies. You will also want to avoid mixing them with species like barbs or tetras. These are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish’s full, billowing fins will make for a delectable tidbit, just begging to be snacked on.

Angelfish are omnivores. Their diet should contain both plant and animal matter. Always choose a fish food that is formulated for omnivores as their main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish on top of it game. Many aquarists prefer to provide a variety of dietary supplements in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not strictly 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 diverse regimen will help to guarantee optimum health. Crushed seaweed sheets are a wonderful supplement for omnivores. Protein based dietary additives such as brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms will properly address the need for animal matter. Frozen and freeze dried preparations are readily available and make an excellent substitute for live food.

These fish inhabit the Amazon River and its tributaries. They favor slightly acidic water. A pH of 6.8 with temperatures between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Under ideal conditions an angelfish may live in excess of 10 years.

Angelfish and Spawning

It is nearly impossible to make a distinction between genders in angelfish before the spawning cycle. During the initiation of breeding angelfishes' reproductive organs will emerge from their bodies 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 used for depositing semen.

Angelfish practice an unusual courting ritual as a prelude to the reproduction process. The couple will join their lips together and twist around madly. This dizzying foreplay is an unmistakable indicator that the reproduction cycle is about to commence. The mating couple should be taken from the main tank and put in a breeding tank. The couple will clean a flat surface on which the eggs will be deposited. After a surface is acceptably prepared, it is now time to lay the eggs.

In the realm of parenting, freshwater fish can be divided into two basic categories. There are those fish that will abandon their unborn eggs or even eat them with no regard to parental obligations. Then there are the species that express varying amounts of parental intuition. Cichlids belong to some extent in the second category. Angelfish are what is known as open brooders. Open brooders lay there eggs out in the open as opposed to hiding them from potential predation by cleaning a flat surface like a rock or piece of wood to lay their eggs on. Brooders will demonstrate custodial obligations by standing guard over and tending to the brood until they hatch. Typically the male adopts the role as the protector by standing guard while the female becomes the eggs’ caregiver. After the eggs are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending their offspring.

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Angelfish are amazingly exotic creatures. Angels have consistently maintained their popularity with freshwater fish lovers worldwide. Their distinctive proportions absolutely added to their unparalleled popularity. Due of their recognition they can be found at practically every store that stocks fish. A single glance at one of these cute fellows will make you want to reach into your pocket book. The fish available at the department stores have yet to develop into adulthood. Angels generally ...

Trying to raise any certain species of fish in an aquarium that is not large enough could produce disastrous results. A wise fish owner wouldn’t consider trying to raise an angelfish four inch deep wall mount aquarium. To learn more about your favorite freshwater aquarium fish browse through our fish buying guide.

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