Angelfish are a very popular fish because of their long and majestic fins, spirited personalities, and ease of breeding. To learn more about this unique cichlid, we sat down with master breeder Dean, who has successfully kept them for the past 40 to 50 years and produces high-end strains to sell at the Aquarium Co-Op fish store. This article reveals his real-world experiences and answers to the most frequently asked questions about keeping freshwater angelfish.
There can be some confusion about the term “angelfish” since the saltwater aquarium hobby has marine angelfish, so we are specifically referring to the angelfish cichlids of the Pterophyllum genus that have long, wing-like fins and come from freshwater rivers in South America. The three known species of angelfish include P. altum (the largest species), P. leopoldi (the rarest species to find in fish stores), and P. scalare (the most available species found in pet stores).
What are the different angelfish types and colors? New colors and patterns of angelfish are constantly being developed, but some of the most well-known varieties include silver (or wild type), veil, koi, zebra, marble, albino, leopard, and platinum.
How big do angelfish get? These fish get to the size of a small saucer, so be prepared to give them plenty of space. The common P. scalare angelfish has a body length of up to 6 inches (15 cm) and a height (including their fins) of 8 inches (20 cm). Altum angelfish (P. altum) can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long and 10-13 inches (25-33 cm) high.
How long do angelfish live? If given a clean environment with minimal stress and high-quality foods, angelfish can live up to 8 to 12 years long.
How much do angelfish cost? Depending on the size of the fish and rareness of its color variety, the price can range between $5 to $20 and upwards.
Are angelfish aggressive? Many pet stores label angelfish as “semi-aggressive” because they are known to chase each other in the aquarium. This territorial behavior is primarily due to breeding. Males spar with one another to win their favorite female, and parents often defend their eggs and fry from being eaten by other fish. However, compared to other cichlids, angelfish are relatively peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with the right set of tank mates (see below for specifics).
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- {“smallUrl”:”https://www. wikihow. com/s/thumb/a/a1/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-1-Version-5. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-1-Version-5. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”/s/thumb/a/a1/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-1-Version-5. jpg/aid2823856-v4-728px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-1-Version-5. Select the appropriate tank size. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”License: Creative Commons</a> </p> </p></div>”} 1 Even if your angelfish is small now, it will grow. Angelfish have a maximum length of 6 inches and a maximum height of 8 inches. Make sure the tank you choose has a minimum 55-gallon capacity. Larger is always preferable, provided you can fit it in your home and can afford a tank larger than this one. [1] It is always preferable to have more room than is necessary, even if your angelfish does not become very large.
- {“smallUrl”:”https://www. wikihow. com/s/thumb/1/1c/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-2-Version-5. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-2-Version-5. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”/s/thumb/1/1c/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-2-Version-5. jpg/aid2823856-v4-728px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-2-Version-5. Maintain a suitable pH level. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”License: Creative Commons</a> </p> </p></div>”} 2 With a home testing kit, which you can get online or at most pet stores, you can determine the pH of your tank. When testing tap water, wait a full day because the water’s pH will change after being in contact with the air. Angelfish require a pH level between 6 and 8. There are various methods you can use to increase your pH level if necessary. Add crushed coral, which can raise the pH level. In addition, you can add chemical buffers from pet stores, baking soda, and shells. [2] Adding wood to the tank can assist in lowering pH levels. Also available is a chemical buffer designed to reduce pH. Advertisement .
- {“smallUrl”:”https://www. wikihow. com/s/thumb/f/fe/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-3-Version-5. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-3-Version-5. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”/s/thumb/f/fe/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-3-Version-5. jpg/aid2823856-v4-728px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-3-Version-5. jpg”,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”License: Creative Commons</a> </p> </p></div>”} 3 Fill the tank with the proper vegetation. A tank with lots of substrate and vegetation is what angelfish like. Decorate the tank appropriately to keep your angelfish happy. Rocks and hiding places are important for angelfish. Visit your neighborhood pet store to choose from a selection of tank decorations. Aim to incorporate elements like driftwood that floats, since this mimics the natural habitat of angelfish. Additionally, vertical plants work well in angelfish aquariums.
- {“smallUrl”:”https://www. wikihow. com/s/thumb/c/c1/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-4-Version-5. jpg/v4-460px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-4-Version-5. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”/s/thumb/c/c1/Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-4-Version-5. jpg/aid2823856-v4-728px-Care-for-an-Angelfish-Step-4-Version-5. jpg”,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”License: Creative Commons</a> </p> </p></div>”} 4 Adjust the tank’s temperature to the right level. The ideal temperature range for angelfish is between 75 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit (24 and 29 degrees Celsius). In order to maintain the tank at this level, you will most likely need to install a heating system. A heating system is available online or at your neighborhood pet store. As you set up the system, make sure the water is the right temperature by following the instructions. [3] You should keep a thermometer in the tank. Make the necessary adjustments to your heater if the water becomes too hot or cold.
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How Do You Pick Healthy Angelfish?
Look for angelfish the size of a U when purchasing them from a store. S. nickel, quarter, or half-dollar coin (0. 8-1. 2 inches or 2-3 cm). Observing your fish develop from a juvenile to a fully grown adult is half the enjoyment of keeping fish. Even though angelfish are generally thin fish, avoid choosing fish that are extremely thin. Seek out young, robust fish with a meaty body and thicker head. In order to identify the most obnoxious eaters, try to get the store to feed them. Also, avoid any fish with cloudy or damaged eyes. For the best chance of success, bring home the healthiest ones you can.
How Do You Set up an Angelfish Aquarium?
Angelfish can be housed in many different configurations, including planted tanks, community tanks, and bare tanks. To help absorb toxic waste compounds and to add a lovely bit of nature to your aquarium, consider adding a few aquatic plants that are suitable for beginners. For instance, java fern gives your angelfish tall, textured leaves to swim around, and all it needs to survive is some low light and a few spritzes of Easy Green all-in-one fertilizer.
The tall, broad leaves of the Java fern give angelfish protection and nourishment.
Angelfish typically favor warmer water temperatures between 78 and 86°F. (Dean maintains his fry breeding and raising tanks at 82°F.) They can survive in a broad range of pH values, ranging from 6 to 0 to 8. 0 (although closer to the middle is always better). Given that many captive-bred angelfish in the United States originate from Florida, a state known for having hard water or high GH levels, water hardness might be more important. Although angelfish can typically adapt to soft water without any issues, you can also find a local breeder whose water parameters are similar to yours.
The size of the aquarium depends on the number of fish you intend to have. What size tank do angelfish need? Keep no more than four adult angelfish in a 29-gallon communal tank with other fish. Start with five or six young angelfish in a 55-gallon tank, and be ready to remove some later if they become too aggressive. In order to maintain high water quality if the angelfish are housed in crowded conditions, be sure to increase the frequency of your water changes.
Is it possible to keep angelfish alone? Based on our observations, keeping an angelfish alone does not appear to have a negative impact on its health. Even though they do swim in shoals or groups in the wild, having just one as the main fish in your aquarium seems to make them much more laid-back and submissive in general.
Think about keeping a single angelfish as the focal point of your community aquarium among other fish if aggression is an issue.
Which fish are good to keep with angelfish? Avoid keeping fin nippers or fast-swimming fish because they will outcompete your angelfish for food because of their long, beautiful fins. Additionally, avoid purchasing any nanofish or tiny animals that your angelfish could eat due to their enormous growth potential (like microrasboras or dwarf shrimp) Adult cardinal tetras, cory catfish, and black skirt tetras have all proven to be successful for us.
Because of their smaller size, guppies are considered “maybe” tank mates; if you’re concerned about them, you might want to try a larger type of livebearer. (The angelfish will undoubtedly contribute to controlling any livebearer population by pursuing their fry.) ) Betta fish are another species in the “maybe” category. If you want your betta fish to swim faster, go for a giant or regular betta with shorter fins, as the angelfish might try to attack it.