Angelfish - Aquarium Fish City: Freshwater Aquarium Setup, Care, and Maintenance

Can Angelfish and Blue Acara Live Together? (YES! But with Caution)

The Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) and the Blue Acara are two absolutely stunning species to look at if you’re someone who is looking for a unique group of fish for a South American cichlids tank.

Both fish are known for their vivid colors and peaceful nature. In addition, they are relatively easy to care for and thrive when kept in schools in a species-only aquarium.

But can you keep Angelfish and Blue Acara together? This article reveals his real-world answers to this most frequently asked question in the aquarist community.

Can Angelfish and Blue Acara Live Together?

If you do not intend to breed both fish, the most common Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) and Blue Acara can live together as long as you have a large tank of at least 125 gallons (72″ x 18″ x 21″), since Angelfish need plenty of height to fully extend their fins, and Blue Acaras are generally not known to be fin nippers.

While there are NO guarantees even though we know these combinations do work in most instances, especially when working with Cichlids. IMHO, trial and error is the only way to do this and see how these fish work out together in your aquarium. Having a backup plan is always a good idea, just in case you do run into problems.

No matter what happens, don’t be discouraged. After all, choosing suitable tank mates is always a challenge every aquarist faces.

From my first-hand experience, there are some things that can help determine fish compatibility. In the following sections, we will go through these factors with the Angelfish and Blue Acara as an example.

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Species of the Angelfish And Blue Acara

The freshwater Angelfish is one of the most recognized species in the aquarium hobby, scientifically known as Pterophyllum, a small genus of cichlid fish native to the waters in tropical South America.

There are three recognized Angelfish species: P. scalare, P. leopoldi, and P. altum. Most angelfish sold in the trade are P. scalare. Sometime you may obtain a P. altum. But, the smallest and most aggressive species Pterophyllum leopoldi is the hardest to find in the hobby. We will only focus on Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) in the following.

The Blue Acara has two variations: the true Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher) and the Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara sp.). The former originates from South and Central America and can reach 7.8 inches (20 cm), while the latter may be a hybrid of true Blue Acara mixed with Blue Rams, remaining a smaller size at 4.8 inches (12cm).

However, these fish tend to share the same environment and have similar care requirements. Therefore, in this article, we will call them Blue Acaras.

Habitats of the Angelfish and Blue Acara

No matter whether you are setting up a single species or community aquarium, it’s best to recreate the fish’s natural habitat as much as possible to provide a stress-free environment.

Below are the details of Angelfish and Electric Blue Acara’s natural habitat, as well as the recommended water conditions:

	Angelfish	Blue Acara
Origin	South America	Central and South America
Water Temperature	75° – 86° F (24°C – 30°C)	64° – 73° F (18°C – 23°C)
pH range	6.0 – 8.0	6.5 – 8.0
dH range	5 – 13	6 – 25
Diet	omnivores	omnivores
Difficulty	A very hardy and adaptable fish	A relatively peaceful hardy fish

As you see, Angelfish is an Amazonian species that prefer warm and soft to neutral waters, while Blue Acaras are mainly found in more alkaline, harder waters. Although these two fish are not found in the same natural habits, they can still thrive in the same water conditions.

Like most South American cichlids, they are hardy and adaptable and can accept a wide range of water conditions.

Fish Size and Age

Despite these two fish being generally peaceful, they are opportunistic feeders in the wild and will not hesitate to eat small fish that fits into their mouth. Therefore, always choose Angelfish and Blue Acaras that are roughly the same size as those in your aquarium.

As a result, if you want to keep Angelfish with Blue Acaras, it’s best to purchase juvenile fish and allow them to grow together. This way, they are more likely to get along as juveniles are usually easygoing even when they are not from the same species, or they are known to become aggressive when they reach adulthood.

Behavior & Temperament of Angelfish and Blue Acaras

Angelfish are not considered to be schooling fish, but they do shoal or swim together. You can keep Angelfish singly in a tank, but a group is a good way to go about their well-being.

Since Blue Acaras are curious species, they are not known to be fin nippers like tiger barbs, most tetras, Skunk Botia and Gobies. There is no need to worry that they will nip Angelfish’s fins.

Aquarium Size & Dimension Requirements

Species	Max Size	Average Size	Tank Size (Min)
Angelfish (P. scalare)	L: 6″(15 cm) H: 8″(20 cm)	L: 6″ (15 cm) H: 8″ (20 cm)	30 g (36″ x 18″ x 12″)
True Blue Acara (A. pulcher)	8″ (20 cm)	Male: 4.8″ (12 cm) Female: 3.2″ (8 cm)	30 g (36″ x 18″ x 12″)
Electric Blue Acara (A. sp.)	6″ (15 cm)	5″ (12.7 cm)	30 g (36″ x 18″ x 12″)

Both fish have a very manageable size and can be kept in medium-sized single-species aquariums. However, mixing two fish in a community tank is a totally different story.

Unlike Blue Acaras, the Angels will grow tall rather than long, which means they will fit and work better in the taller tank.

In order to meet their needs and maintain good water quality at the same time, Angelfish and Blue Acaras should be kept in a minimum tank size of at least a 125-gallon aquarium.

Quantity of Angelfish and Blue Acaras

Angelfish and Blue Acaras are not boisterous schooling fish and don’t need to be kept in large groups. A group of four Angelfish will do just fine.

Blue Acaras, on the other hand, make sure the total number of these fish is divisible by two to prevent anyone from potentially getting picked on by Angelfish.

If you plan on keeping multiple fish in the same tank, you’ll need more space. The more room they have, the more comfortable and less aggressive they will be.

Gender

Another consideration is the gender of your fish. Male fish tend to be more aggressive and territorial than female fish, and their territorial behaviors become even more pronounced when attempting to pair off and spawn.

Dominance Hierarchies and Personalities

There is a big misconception that all fish are either peaceful or aggressive; there is a difference between fish’s personality and behavior.

It’s important to remember that not all fish from the same species will behave the same. The truth is that each fish has its own unique personality. Some Angelfish and Blue Acaras are naturally more timid than others, while some are quite outgoing.

When it comes to Angelfish, there is a “social” hierarchy or “pecking order” that determines which fish is the most dominant. The most dominant fish will be the one that gets first dibs on everything from food to the best hiding spots.

The hierarchy can change over time as fish grow and mature. The biggest and most aggressive fish will usually be at the top of the hierarchy, but that doesn’t mean they will always stay there.

As for Blue Acaras, they are not as “social” as Angelfish, but they still have their own hierarchy.

Sometimes, the success of mixing Angelfish and Blue Acaras depends on the dominant fish’s personalities.

Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know about Angelfish and Acara compatibility before making any decisions.

While Angelfish and Blue Acaras can be kept together, there are some things you need to take into consideration, such as fish and tank size, number of fish, gender, etc.

With that being said, if you do your research and are prepared to deal with any potential problems, then go ahead and give it a try. Who knows, you might just end up with a beautiful and unique-looking aquarium.

What Do Angelfish Eat? (in the Wild & in Aquariums)

Have you got a new pet Angelfish? Congratulations! Now, you might be wondering what do Angelfish eat…let us tell you all about it.

As the name may tell you, Angelfish resemble little angels and can be a pleasure to keep as pets. However, it is essential to know what to feed them – so that they thrive and grow healthy and happy.

If you are a new pet parent and aren’t sure about what to feed your Angelfish; don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our informative guide.

Without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

What Do Angelfish Eat In Aquariums?

Now that you’ve set up a beautiful aquarium for the Angelfish, you might be wondering what they eat. Well, to ensure proper health and growth, you need to feed your Angelfish a variety of foods. Although these fish are primarily omnivores, they can eat moderate amounts of vegetarian food as well.

The best food to feed your Angelfish in aquariums consists of a variety of flakes and pellets, live food, vegetables, frozen food, and live plants. If you are still confused about the right diet for them, don’t worry. We will tell you about it in detail in the following sections.

Of course, you can speak to the pet shop or breeder you got them from to be sure of the best diet for them.

What Is the Best Food For Angelfish Growth?

Once your Angelfish have settled into their new home, it’s time to think about how to keep them healthy and thriving. Of course, you want your Angelfish to grow big and beautiful. For that, you need to maintain a strict diet that facilitates growth.

As we mentioned earlier, Angelfish thrive on various foods, so there is no particular brand of food that will help them grow. It is best to keep your Angelfish on a balanced diet of meat and plant matter. Furthermore, you can give the occasional treat such as freeze-dried food or live worms and other treats.

That being said, keep in mind that live food like bloodworms may contain diseases that might affect your Angelfish. As such, ensure that you procure their food from a reliable, healthy source and don’t overfeed them, as that can lead to subsequent health problems.

To ensure that your Angelfish grows well, do not keep their diet restricted to one type of food or brand. Research thoroughly to find the best ones that will help them grow strong and healthy.

What Do Freshwater Angelfish Eat In The Wild?

Now that you have an idea about what to feed your pet Angelfish in the aquarium, let us talk about their normal diet in the wild. Angelfish are freshwater fish and are found in the Amazon River waterways.

In the wild, Angelfish thrive on a diet of insects, larvae, small crustaceans, live worms, plants, algae, and other meaty substances. As such, they do not adhere to an extremely strict diet but eat whatever they can hunt or find. However, the Angelfish diet primarily consists of meats rather than plants.

When bringing Angelfish home to keep as pets, it is imperative to try and replicate their high protein diet.

What Kind Of Fish Food Do Angelfish Eat?

In this section, we will tell you about the different kinds of fish food you can give Angelfishes at home. Make sure that you check the brand and manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Moreover, it helps to research and find out the correct feeding time and quantity from experts so your Angelfish can grow to be healthy and happy.

Flakes And Pellets

The most common and most affordable options of fish food are flakes and pellets. These are easy to administer and can be found easily at any local fish or pet shop. As long as you purchase high-quality flakes and pellets, they can be extremely nutritious and beneficial for your Angelfish.

Moreover, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients in the flakes and pellets. You should try and avoid fish food containing starch and wheat (as a primary ingredient) as they lack the nutritional value that Angelfish need.

Protein-rich pellets and flakes, as well as cichlid flakes, are an excellent option for Angelfish.

Frozen Foods

Although it is best to give live food to your Angelfish, frozen foods can be an excellent substitute when you don’t have access to live food. Keep in mind that they don’t have the same nutritional value as live food but are suitable nonetheless.

As such, the best frozen foods you can feed Angelfish include frozen Mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and frozen bloodworms. Ensure that you soak the frozen food in water before putting it in the tank, so it thaws properly.

Freeze-Dried Foods

The next option of food for your Angelfish is freeze-dried foods. One of the biggest advantages of opting for this is that the food is entirely sterile, making it safe for consumption for your little pets. Since most of the bacteria and parasites are killed during the freeze-drying process, there isn’t much to worry about in regards to contamination.

As such, you can opt for freeze-dried bloodworms and freeze-dried shrimp for your Angelfish – both of which they love eating.

Live Foods

Moving on to the next option, you can opt for live food for your Angelfish. These are incredibly nutritious for the fish and promote good health and growth. That being said, live food is notorious for having parasites and bacteria, so you should be extra cautious with them.

Veggies

Although Angelfish primarily thrive on meat, you can opt for vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini, peas, and lettuce (in moderation). However, ensure that you include plenty of meat options for a balanced diet.

How Often To Feed Angelfish

A lot of new pet owners are confused about how much to feed Angelfish. While adult Angelfish can be fed just twice a day, babies need more regular feeding – about three to four times daily. Furthermore, ensure that you feed mating Angelfish more frequently for better nutrition and health.

Don’t Overfeed Your Angelfish

Word of caution – avoid overfeeding your Angelfish. These fish will happily gobble up meals and treats anytime you offer them.
However, this can harm their health, making them obese and causing them to develop health conditions. Stick to a strict feeding schedule to ensure the proper health of your Angelfish.

FAQs:

Do Angelfish Need Special Food?

Not necessarily. As long as you give them a healthy, balanced diet, there is no need for additional special food for them.

Can Angelfish Eat Bloodworms?

Yes, they can eat live and freeze-dried bloodworms. However, be cautious, as they may contain bacteria and parasites.

Can Angelfish Eat Goldfish Food?

It is best to stick them to a diet specially prepared for Angelfish as it is more nutritious for them.

Summary

Now that you know about the best diet for Angelfish, you’re ready to be a proud pet owner!

Ensure that you stick to a proper feeding schedule, feeding adult Angelfish only twice a day but mating and baby Angelfish three to four times a day. Moreover, avoid overfeeding them to prevent health issues. You can speak to an expert to determine the correct quantity of food for Angelfish.

And with that, it’s a wrap. Have fun with your new pets, and best of luck!

Can Angelfish Live With Goldfish?

Two of the most common fish species found in home aquariums are angelfish and goldfish.

Naturally, people expect that they can live in the same tank. But before trying anything fancy, it would be a good idea to have all the relevant information to make the right decision.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: can angelfish live with goldfish?Let’s find out.

Can Angelfish Live With Goldfish?

The simple answer is no, Goldfish and Angelfish are two different types of fish that cannot live together in the same tank because they need totally opposite environments to thrive. Goldfish originate from more cold climates while Angels come from warmer water, which means their personalities will be very hard for one another to tolerate as well!

Let’s a closer look reveals why this is a bad idea.

Temperature

Goldfish and angelfish thrive in different temperatures. Goldfish are more at home in cold water conditions while angelfish, being a tropical fish, prefers warmer waters.

Understandably, it’s impossible to maintain contrasting temperatures in the same tank. While goldfish do well in temperatures ranging between 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, angelfish can only live when the aquarium temperature is above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Failing to provide proper temperature conditions for either species will lead to several health issues, including sickness, aggressive behavior, lack of appetite, or even death.

Diet

Angelfish and goldfish have many of the same dietary requirements, they’re both omnivores, but angelfish need more protein than the average goldfish does!

They can eat the same things, including mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Perfectly cut-up vegetables such as mustard greens or collards also work well if fed to goldfish in higher quantities.

Breeding Issues

You need to have a clear knowledge of the breeding habits of both angelfish and goldfish. During the spawning phase, fish are highly sensitive, and a crowded tank may lead to stress.

Everything from the water conditions to the room’s atmosphere must be ideal, ensuring that they can breed and take care of the eggs. Fish are easily spooked, and even sudden movements might endanger reproduction.

Moreover, angelfish are notorious for eating their eggs. It takes the male and female fish several spawning cycles before they become devoted parents.

Unsurprisingly, if the goldfish lay eggs in the same tank, there’s a high chance that the angelfish might gobble them up.

Tank Size

Although angelfish aren’t very big, goldfish can grow to several times the size of their freshwater counterparts. While you can keep one angelfish in 4 gallons of water, even a baby goldfish needs at least 5 gallons of water.

As they continue to grow, Goldfish require 10 gallons of water, while fully grown goldfish need 25-30 gallons of water. Understandably, it isn’t easy to have a big enough tank to accommodate both species.

Keeping angelfish and goldfish in a smaller tank will lead to health issues, disease outbreaks, and even death. So, we suggest that you avoid overcrowding.

On the other hand, Goldfish, like most fish prefer longer tanks because it gives them more swimming room, however, angelfish need tall tanks due to their deep bodies.

pH Level

An important factor why angelfish and goldfish can’t live together is that they need different pH levels to survive. Being more sensitive, goldfish do better when the pH value is between 7.2 and 7.6.

In contrast, angelfish are resilient and can survive in conditions with a pH value between 6.5 and 7.1. In fact, 6.8 is the ideal pH level for their breeding cycle.

Long story short, there’s no way for you to maintain different pH levels in the same tank. Any change to the pH value severely affects both angelfish and goldfish, leading to health issues, among other things.

Tank Maintenance & Cleaning

Goldfish produce a lot of waste, meaning it’s important to change the water regularly, and they need good filtration system. In comparison, angelfish are low-maintenance, but they have their perks as well.

It’s essential to keep your fish healthy, as they get stressed very easily, and maintaining a clean tank with fresh water should be your priority. Failing to do so might lead to high ammonia level, shocking behavioral changes, causing them to turn on each other.

Angelfish prefer serene planted tanks while goldfish are not the best tank mates for plants. In fact, they may kill most of them! Goldfish should be kept in a species only setup to avoid any damage on their behalf and out of consideration for those who might want an aquarium with live plants.

Conclusion

It is really not recommended that keeping angelfish and goldfish in the same tank. Looking after fish requires a lot of dedication, and it’s best not to have two different species with varying needs living in the same tank.

Instead, I’d recommend keeping them separately, as that way you can give each of them the specific conditions they need.

Happy fish keeping!

How Often Do Angelfish Lay Eggs?(Everything You Need To Know)

One of the most sought-after fish species for home aquariums is the angelfish.

This tropical fish is available in numerous colors and sizes, making it popular among aquarists. Moreover, they can live for several years and reproduce rapidly.

But when it comes to caring for angelfish eggs you’ll have to deal with various factors, providing just the right conditions for them to breed. So, today we’ve highlighted all the essential points related to angelfish and answered some of the most common queries to help you.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Do Angelfish Lay Eggs?

Fish either lay eggs or give birth to their live young ones, and angelfish belong to the former category. Female angelfish lay eggs after they are fully grown, producing 100-1,000 eggs at a time, depending on their size.

Also, if you remove the eggs right away, the female will lay a new set of eggs within two weeks. However, leaving the eggs ensures that the female angelfish won’t reproduce until you relocate the eggs to a new tank.

Angelfish eggs stages

Angelfish undertake a brief yet elaborate breeding process right from laying the eggs to the time they hatch. So, note the following points to be well informed.

Tidying The Breeding Area

Angelfish begin cleaning the fish tank with the intention of breeding. Mating angelfish make it a point to tidy up the spawning site so that the female can lay the eggs.

They are quite meticulous in this process, and it could last for a day. However, that doesn’t mean that the breeding area won’t change in the future.

So, what are some of the egg-laying hotspots for angelfish? Well, any feature like the heater, tank wall, or even removable plants proves suitable for a cozy home.

Many people place a designated breeding slate in the tank, which the angelfish might find convenient for laying eggs. If so, you can safely remove the eggs to a different tank before they hatch.

Laying The Eggs

After the spawning area is spick and span, the female fish springs into action, laying all her eggs vertically. Like a well-oiled machine, the male quickly follows suit, and fertilizes the eggs by brushing them.

You’ll find several translucent eggs, smaller than a needle’s eye, sticking to the spawning area.

The period between laying and hatching is a crucial time, and this is when you can help as the caretaker. You must remember that angelfish breed only when the tank conditions are just right. And they are easily spooked, so it would help to avoid sudden movements or any changes to the tank condition.

Understandably, some people place the fertilized eggs in a smaller tank. After that, it’s important that you conduct a water change for ¼th volume of the tank daily if possible, providing the ideal conditions for hatching.

Moreover, constant monitoring is vital, and you need to remove the unfertilized eggs, thereby protecting the healthy ones.

Pre-Hatching Eggs

Sixty hours after laying the eggs, the larva reaches one of its pre-hatching stages. As the larvae start to develop, you’ll find them curling their body around the yolk sac.

Additionally, the eggs’ color changes to a transparent hue, but other developments like blood flow and heartbeat are only visible under microscopes.

Wiggling the Eggs

If all goes according to plan, you’ll find baby angelfish wiggling inside the eggs, meaning fertilization was successful. The babies attach themselves to the egg’s yolk at this stage, which is eaten by them to develop vital organs.

The Fry Are Born

After 3-4 days, the larvae hatch from their eggs and are known as angelfish fry. All you need to do is feed them microorganisms, often found inside the tank, and monitor their growth.

What Do Angelfish Eggs Look Like?

Angelfish eggs are extremely small and look like very tiny pearls, not larger than a needle hole. At the right temperature, the female will give birth to sticky, translucent eggs that slowly turn transparent, thanks to the proper fertilization.

How To Tell If Angelfish Eggs Are Fertilized?

The best way to determine whether the angelfish eggs are fertilized is by looking at their color. It usually varies between amber and brown, which is a clear indication of their health.

However, if the color turns white, it means that there is something wrong. You may still manage to rescue the eggs, but the key is to be proactive. It’s essential to be vigilant and monitor how the color changes so that you can prevent unfertilized eggs from damaging the good ones.

What Does It Mean When Angelfish Eggs Turn White?

If the angelfish eggs turn white, it’s a sign that things have gone downhill. When you find the color changing to opaque white, focus on saving the healthy eggs.

Usually, opaque white eggs are a sign of fungal infections, but there may be other factors as well, which we’ll discuss in the following section. The key is to closely monitor the eggs for signs of infertility.

What Can Cause Angelfish Eggs To Change Color?

Now, let’s discuss why eggs produced by angelfish parents sometimes change color; you can note these points to develop a clear idea.

Mistaken Identity

At times, you may fall victim to a classic case of “mistaken identity” since both male and female angelfish look the same. Female angelfish have the unique ability to lay eggs irrespective of whether there are male fish in the tank.

So, if you fail to have no male fish in the tank, the eggs remain unfertilized. This causes them to turn white and die due to the fast-spreading fungus.

Migration

As mentioned, sometimes it’s important to remove angelfish eggs, in community tank to a separate enclosure. However, this is a sensitive process, and you need to follow the correct procedure.

So, try not to keep the eggs out of the water for too long, which is only possible if you keep the new tank ready. If the eggs turn white after relocation, it points to a fungal infection or infertility.

Infertility

The best way to spot infertility is if the eggs fail to attain the amber color, instead they turn white straight away. It’s a sign that the male is infertile, and the only solution is attempting to breed a different pair of fish.

Negative Water Conditions

Another factor that has nothing to do with the fish but impacts fertilization nonetheless is the water condition. Too much ammonia or nitrates proves detrimental as both the parents and the fry find it challenging to adjust to the water. Hence, the eggs turn white.

Rough Water

It’s vital to regulate water circulation inside the tank, creating the ideal conditions for fertilization. Start by keeping the breeding slate in one corner of the tank, far from the surface pump.

Proceed to ensure that the water circulation doesn’t stagnate, leading to impurities while depriving the fish of oxygen. Similarly, heavy circulation will wash the sperm off the eggs, meaning it’s critical to strike the right balance.

Fungus Growth

The primary reason for angelfish eggs turning opaque white is a fungal infection. All the above factors could result in fungus attacking the eggs, meaning you need to be watchful. Also, keep the water clean and wash both tanks before transferring the eggs.

If there are more white eggs than healthy eggs, it would help to add a fungicide, such as methylene blue. There’s no guarantee, but you might be able to save some of the eggs.

How Long Does It Take For Angelfish Eggs To Hatch?

Angelfish reproduce fast, and the eggs hatch without any hassle if you provide them with the right temperature conditions. For instance, it would be best to maintain the temperature at 80 degrees Fahrenheit to quicken the process.

Overall, it takes around 60 hours for the eggs to develop, followed by a larval stage where it remains attached to a yolk for nourishment. Once each larva can fend for itself, it takes them 3-5 days to become free-swimming fry.

How To Remove Unfertilized Angelfish Eggs?

You must remove unfertilized angelfish eggs, preventing them from infecting the few good ones. Now, these tiny eggs are extremely delicate, so you need to use tweezers to separate the fertile eggs from the rest.

Take the breeding slate to the new tank and gently remove the fertile eggs with a pair of tweezers, dropping them onto any suitable surface. Then it’s all about providing the right conditions for hatching.

How To Prevent Angelfish From Eating The Eggs?

Aquarists who breed angelfish in community tank need to prevent other angelfish from eating the eggs. It’s usually a sign of stress, and there are even reports of the pregnant fish eating its own eggs.

There might be several reasons for this, such as inexperienced aquarists, too much commotion surrounding the tank, and unfavorable water conditions. Naturally, it would be a good idea to choose a quiet and comfortable corner of your home to place the tank, ensuring that the fish can relax.

Also, like humans, angelfish parents need a couple of tries before they learn the skills of raising the fry. So, if they don’t give birth to fertilized eggs in the first few attempts, you must remain patient.

Furthermore, clean the tank and maintain the ideal water temperature and make the fish feel at home. Not to mention, you need to feed them well to reduce their appetite so that they don’t eat their own eggs.

How To Care For Angelfish Eggs?

To take care of angelfish eggs, you need to follow these steps.

Preparing A Breeding Tank

It would be best to have a separate breeding tank so that you can remove the eggs right away. Doing so increases their chances of survival as parents are the first threat they face.

Then just like the adult angelfish, you need to ensure that fungus, debris, and other impurities don’t harm the eggs. You’ll need to act as the primary caregiver until they hatch.

Acclimatise The Eggs

When moving the eggs to the breeding tank, it’s essential that the conditions don’t change. This entails keeping the new tank ready one day before the transfer so that the conditions are as similar as possible.

Overall, the water temperature should be between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, while the pH range must lie between 6.8 and 7.8. Also, angelfish eggs dry fast, meaning you need to shift them in a water container.

Daily Maintenance

We suggest installing an active filter, removing the tank of impurities. It speeds up the breeding process, ensuring that the babies will hatch in no time.

Daily maintenance is a must, along with removing damaged eggs to prevent the spread of the fungus. Hence, it would help to add any suitable fungicide to arrest the spread of the disease.

Managing Water Flow

Although you need to install a filter, you must purchase one based on the tank’s size. If the filter is too large, the sperm will wash away while the small filter fails to remove debris. You could also use the air stone, which is part of the air pump, to oxygenate the eggs.

FAQs

How Many Eggs Do Angelfish Lay at Once?

There are different strands of angelfish that vary in size. So, depending upon these two factors, angelfish can lay anywhere between 100 and 1,000 eggs.

How often do angelfish lay eggs?

Pregnant angelfish can lay eggs every two weeks or even less than that if you remove the eggs right after reproduction. In case you decide to leave them in the tank, the parents won’t breed until you remove the eggs

Where Do Angelfish Lay Their Eggs?

Angelfish lay eggs in any spot that they can clean thoroughly. Be it a removable leaf, the tank heater, breeding slate, or even the tank walls; female angelfish lay eggs in rows on vertical surfaces.

Do Angelfish Lay Eggs Without a Male?

The female angelfish might be able to lay eggs without a male, but without a partner to fertilize them, the eggs may eventually die. It may so happen that you fail to distinguish between the male and female fish or the female chooses the wrong partner.

Other factors like the number of fish in the tank and available space also determine whether angelfish will spawn. Overall if the conditions are right, you can expect to find eggs in the tank.

Why Won’t the Male Angelfish Fertilize the Eggs?

If the male angelfish refuses to fertilize the eggs, it might be because he is a first-time parent. While angelfish spawn very frequently, it takes a pair more than a couple of cycles to figure out what to do.

You don’t need to worry, and it’s essential to give them time because taking care of the eggs is a delicate task. There’s a lot to do, and it’s pretty common for the first few spawning cycles to be unsuccessful.

How Do I Know Which Angelfish Eggs Are Fertile?

Fertilized angelfish eggs have a translucent amber-brown appearance, whereas an unfertilized batch will have an opaque white look. Good angelfish parents prevent the latter from happening by regularly cleaning the eggs of fungus and debris.

Male Angelfish Eating Eggs, What to Do?

There are two primary reasons why a male angelfish will eat its own eggs: stress and inexperience. In terms of the former, several factors may lead to stress, such as a packed community tank, sudden movement, commotion, or changes to the water condition.

It may cause the male to eat the eggs, or he may just be hungry. So, remember to keep both parents well-fed. Other than that, if the male is inexperienced in caring for the eggs, all you can do is give the pair time to figure out the breeding process.

Angelfish Keep Laying Eggs on the Filter, Glass, and Heater. What Should I Do?

Angelfish usually lay eggs on vertical surfaces, so you need to offer them an alternative. Introduce a breeding slate or the Amazon sword, which has vertical leaves, perfect for egg-laying. Additionally, PVC pipes work just as well.

Also, try to cover the filter and heater or simply change their location.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to know about angelfish and their breeding habits.

Hopefully, you now have a clear idea regarding the task at hand. Once they become adults, you can rest easy, as daily nourishment and a clean tank are all that the angelfish need to stay healthy.

But taking care of the babies is a challenging proposition, having its fair share of failures. That said, we believe our detailed guide provides efficient solutions, allowing you to keep this tropical fish happy.

Here’s, wishing you success. Bye!

How To Sex Angelfish? (Male Vs. Female Angelfish)

Determining the sex of animals or birds is fairly straightforward. However, it is quite challenging to do the same with Angelfish.

When you’re learning how to sex angelfish, just looking between its fins is not enough. You need to have a very careful eye and some experience to be able to sex an Angelfish correctly. Fortunately, we are here to help you.

In this guide, we will tell you the different physical and behavioral factors that can help you correctly tell the sex of Angelfish. This can be extremely helpful if you want to mate or breed Angelfish – or are simply curious to know about them.

So without further delay, let’s begin!

How to Tell the Sex of Angelfish?

When trying to figure out the sex of an angelfish, there are a few telltale signs. But before we dive into those characteristics, it’s important that you know how difficult it is when Angelfish juveniles can’t be differentiated by gender either!

How to Tell Sex of Angelfish (Based on Appearance)

Body Shape

The body shape of male and female Angelfish are quite similar. In fact, it can be hard to notice any difference between them if you don’t have a trained eye. Observe the body shape of various Angelfish – the female Angelfish have a sleek, angular body. The male Angelfish, however, have a large, circular body.

That said, note that certain Angelfish species like the Flame Angelfish are sexually dichromatic; so there is no visual difference between the genders.

Head Shape

Close observation will reveal a slight difference between the head shapes of male and female Angelfish. As such, the male Angelfish have a prominent, noticeable crown or nuchal hump on their heads. However, the female Angelfish have a smooth, smaller, more rounded head with no nuchal hump. This visible difference is most prominently seen on the marble angelfish.

Dorsals

The head of the female Angelfish is slightly backward and in line with the forehead angle. Also, the line from their dorsal fin to their eye is straighter than the male Angelfish. Conversely, the dorsal portion of the male angelfish is more erect and forms an almost 90-degree angle with the body.

Ventrals

The ventrals of the female Angelfish are typically closer to their bodies and less prominent than their male counterparts. Moreover, the body of the male Angelfish generally forms a distinct angle with the ventrals.

Another physical feature to observe is their bellies. This is easier observed when Angelfish are swimming towards you in a tank. The shape of the female Angelfish’s belly is wider and slightly more prominent than the male angelfish.

Eye/Nose Band

The eyes and noseband is far more visible when the Angelfish reach maturity. It can be fairly challenging to tell the difference between the two genders in young Angelfish. However, you may observe that the eyes of male angelfish are smaller, while the female Angelfish have more prominent, round eyes.

The male Angelfish also develop a ridge on their nose at maturity. On the other hand, the female Angelfish have a flat nose and mouth, which is in line with their forehead shape.

Breeding Tube

One of the most common ways that people distinguish between male and female Angelfish is to observe their breeding tubes. Of course, you will have to wait till the fish reach maturity to do this, as baby Angelfish do not have descended breeding tubes. Moreover, the breeding tubes are most prominent when they are spawning, so this is the best time to observe them.

The male Angelfish have a thin, pointed breeding tube that is less prominent than the females. On the other hand, the female breeding tube is more circular and prominent. These tube-like appendages are located in between the fins.

However, they are relatively difficult to spot, so ensure that you observe the fish carefully.

You might also be interested in: How Long Do Angelfish Live?

How To Sex Angelfish (Based On Behavior)

Watch Them As They Swim Towards You

Angelfish mature at about 6 to 12 months. During this time, they will begin to pair off and spawn. This is the best time to observe the breeding tubes carefully. However, their spawning habits will also help you determine which fish are carrying eggs and which ones are fertilizing them.

However, keep in mind that same-sex Angelfish will sometimes try to spawn – although it will be unsuccessful. It is best to observe the spawning habits over a period of time to accurately sex Angelfish.

Observe Their Pairings

As we mentioned above, it isn’t very uncommon to find same-sex Angelfish attempting to mate. This may confuse some observers who are trying to determine the sex of these fish.

However, male Angelfish are typically more aggressive than their female counterparts. Although this aggression is mainly directed towards other male members, it can sometimes be directed towards females as well.

You can introduce new, mature Angelfish into your tank to try and get them to mate. However, Angelfish can be very picky when choosing a mate and may not be happy with your choice.

Conclusion

It is vital to note that even experienced fish keepers may sometimes have trouble determining the sex of Angelfish.

These fish species look eerily similar regardless of their gender. However, it is easier to determine their sex when they are spawning, as their breeding tubes are more prominent, and their mating behavior can be charted more easily.

As such, it is best to keep a written record that you can refer back to when trying to sex Angelfish. You can also introduce other Angelfish into the tank when they reach maturity – in an attempt to get them to mate.
Note that this attempt may not always be successful, and the fish may end up showing aggressive behavior. However, it’s worth a try!

Can Angelfish And Guppies Live Together? (What You NEED To Know)

Most of you would love to put a lot of different species of fish in your fish tank. However, it is essential that you know which fish are compatible with each other.

Guppies are some of the friendliest fish. One reason why beginners are recommended to start with guppies is that they are easy-going and low maintenance. Guppies easily mix well with other fish in the tanks.

Having features similar to guppies, another friendly fish is angelfish. However, a common question that comes to your mind is: Can angelfish and guppies live in the same tank?

This article is going to answer the question for you. So keep reading to find out more.

Can Angelfish And Guppies Live Together?

Guppies and angelfish cannot live together because angelfish tend to become aggressive as they grow up. Furthermore, the fully grown angelfish are much bigger than guppies. Therefore, they like to chase and attack the small guppies.

Besides, it is not safe for guppies to stay with angelfish as the latter display predatorial instincts. That being said, there are a number of factors that contribute to why you shouldn’t keep these two fish together.

Why Keeping Angelfish And Guppies Together Is A Bad Idea?

Being different in size is not the only reason why these two fish must be kept separately. Read on to get the details on the multiple reasons why angelfish and guppies together is a bad idea.

Temperaments

The temperament of guppies and angelfish is quite different from each other, and it affects guppies.

Undoubtedly, guppies are known for their peaceful nature and can blend well with other fish in the tank. However, this is not the scenario with angelfish.

Angelfish often get aggressive, specifically when other fish swim along with them. They find it a threat to their territory and thus, attack the other small fish. Sometimes, they even attack each other.

The outcome of keeping these two fish together often ends in guppies being killed, even if they are more in numbers. It is advisable to keep angelfish either with medium or large fish so that they cannot bully smaller fish.

Guppies Will Undergo Stress

If these two fish are kept together, you will find that your guppy will lose its health in no time. It will not be long before angelfish attacks the guppy when left together. The continuous threat from angelfish will cause massive stress to your guppy.

Unlike its name, angelfish instantly develop a bullying nature and occupy a significant section of the tank. Therefore, guppy would be left confined to a small area, and without much freedom, it will struggle immensely to survive.

Size

Angelfish usually grow for about 6 inches when grown to their full size. Whereas, guppies only grow to two inches.

It must not be a surprise that being big, angelfish will find tiny guppies as food. So, there are high chances that angelfish will end up eating your guppies.

Even when the angelfish are not full-grown, they are still more significant in size, and they tend to attack guppies. Moreover, these adorable guppies are not fast swimmers, which puts them at a disadvantage when kept with angelfish.

Besides, it is advised to keep angelfish in pairs, but they must have ample space to stay away from each other. If you plan to keep a couple of angelfish, you must have a tank of at least 30 gallons.

Your Guppy Fry Can Be The Easiest Prey

Guppy fry is relatively tiny when born; they are approximately 0.25 inches. They can easily become prey to even the smallest angelfish.

While the larger angelfish can easily prey on guppies, the smaller ones will attack guppy fry. In simple words, none of the guppies can be safe with any size of angelfish.

Besides, angelfish are pretty swift, which makes them good hunters. Irrespective of décor and plants in the aquarium, it is not easy for guppies to hide for long. Moreover, once they are discovered, it will be very difficult for a guppy to survive in the same tank.

Guppies are livebearers, and they give birth to lots of fry at once in your tank. It can be a perfect snack for the angelfish, so it is better to keep them in a separate tank if you want to save them.

Additionally, it can be a problem for your angelfish. They can end up overeating, which can result in constipation.

Different Water Hardness

It will come as a surprise for most of you, but both the fish—guppy and angelfish, prefer different water hardness. Guppies mostly like to stay in soft waters, whereas angelfish comparatively like to stay in hard water.

If the water for both the fish is not maintained accordingly, there are high chances that they will be sick. Therefore, it is better not to keep the two fish in the same tank.

How Can You Keep Them Together?

Keeping both the fish in a larger tank is not a good option. Even though it becomes harder for guppies and angelfish to cross each other, you cannot guarantee it. However, if you still want them together, it is better to follow the below methods:

Get A Much Larger Tank with Divider

If you really wish to keep them together, it is suggested to get a huge tank. You can use a divider in the tank to keep the two fish. You need to ensure you find the right size of the tank that is approximately 40-60 gallons.

You need to make sure that all the fish can have enough space to grow even after the divider. Getting a bigger aquarium will not only let you keep the two fish together, but you will not need two filters. Plus, you do not have to maintain two aquariums.

Add Plants And Decoration

Another way is by adding more plants and decoration to your fish tank. It will help your guppies to hide more easily from angelfish. While you choose the plants for your aquarium, it is essential to select thick plants.

Thick plants will keep your angelfish and guppies far from their sight. Some of the good choices of the plants include java moss, Anubis, java ferns and hawthorn.

Perhaps, it is suggested not to keep the two fish together. Even after all the efforts, your guppies can become food for angelfish.

Moreover, you can look for a similar size or larger size fish as they are more compatible with angelfish.

Conclusion

If you plan to keep the angelfish and guppies together, it is better to use two tanks or leave the idea. Also, if you do not wish to spend more money on the two aquariums, you can use a tank divider.

The two fish are not suitable tank mates as you will end up losing one of the species. Keeping guppy and angelfish together will be cruel as it is a death sentence for guppies. It is best to use other mates for both species and give them a suitable environment to survive.

How Long Do Angelfish Live? (& How To Increase Their Lifespan)

Freshwater angelfish are one of the most beautiful tropical fish species to have at home. However, many aquarists often wonder: “how long do angelfish live?”

Today, we’re going to answer everything that you need to know about the lifespan of angelfish. After going through the following, we’re sure you’ll have no doubts regarding the lifespan of angelfish under different water conditions.

So, let’s not delay any longer and dive right in!

How Long Do Angelfish Live in Captivity?

If provided with the right water conditions and a large aquarium, angelfish can typically live for anywhere between 10-12 years in captivity. Since they are hardy fish that can withstand harsh conditions, angelfish can easily be raised even by beginners.

However, if you’re looking to keep and breed angelfish for the long haul, then you need to provide them with the right amount of care and maintenance. At the same time, the genetic lineage of the angelfish you’ve bought plays a vital role in their lifespan.

How Long do Angelfish Live In The Wild?

In the wild, the lifespan of freshwater angelfish is comparable to that in captivity, though there’s always the risk of predators such as barracudas. Their natural lifespan might be affected in the wild due to diseases such as Ich and Gold dust disease. It’s essential to keep in mind that such diseases might also affect angelfish kept in an aquarium.

Another factor to keep in mind is that wild angelfish have to survive much harsher conditions such as environmental pollution and stress in the wild. They also have to search for their food (instead of being fed), so their lifespan is likely to decrease by a few years.

How Long Can Angelfish Go Without Food?

Freshwater angelfish can go without food for up to 3 days typically. However, if your angelfish is a healthy adult, it can easily go without food for longer periods, often up to two weeks. It all depends on the age, health, and size of the fish you have.

Angelfish are omnivores and can live on a vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian diet. Ideally, you should be providing them with an appropriate mix of the two types of food. How often and what you should feed the fish also depends on their age.

For instance, juvenile angelfish require more live foodstuff, such as baby brine shrimp, and should be fed 3-4 times a day. On the other hand, adult angelfish should be given a balanced mix of veg and non-veg items such as boiled veggies, blood worms, and blackworms twice a day.

How to Increase Your Angelfish Lifespan?

The first factor to keep in mind when trying to improve the angelfish lifespan is the environment they will be put in. If you can provide the fish with balanced conditions in a tank, their lifetime is bound to increase.

Genetics also plays a crucial role in determining the lifespan of any angelfish. An freshwater angelfish that comes from a good, healthy lineage will live longer than those from unhealthy origins. Keeping both the above factors in mind, here are a few things you can try to help your angelfish live longer.

Buy A Healthy Fish

The first step you can take to ensure this is to buy your angelfish from a reputed breeder. This will ensure that the fish have been bred with all possible care, and you’re getting the advantage of a healthy lineage.

When it comes to selecting angelfish, looks matter. Before buying, carefully inspect your angelfish for signs of disease, such as clamped fins, skin ulcers, and mouth rot. Fish with kinks or twists in the anal, dorsal or caudal fins are more prone to diseases.

Make Sure The Tank Is Large Enough

Freshwater angelfish can grow up to 6 inches in height, which makes them a rather tall fish species. This naturally means they need more space to move about and prefer taller tanks. We recommend a 20-gallon tank (at least) for keeping angelfish.

For best results, you can go with a tank that has over a 30-gallon capacity. This way, you can ensure that the angelfish have enough space to swim comfortably and live a stress-free life. Freedom of movement can go a long way towards improving the lifespan of the fish.

Take Care Of The Environment

Any aquarist knows the importance of maintaining the right environment in the tank, especially water quality. The freshwater angelfish is native to the Amazon River and its tributaries, keeping angelfish requires temperatures of about 76°F-82°F, along with a water pH between 6.5 to 7.5. It would be best if you also took care to measure the water hardness, which needs to be in the range of 5° to 13°.

Along with the correct water parameters, angelfish like to live in environments with plants and places to hide. So, we recommend keeping a tank that’s well-planted with broad-leaf plants like Java Fern and Java Moss . You can also use a substrate of a darker color, as this helps to keep the angelfish more relaxed.

Water in the tank should be changed once a week or once every two weeks, depending on water parameter test results. You should also ensure that the tank is properly cleaned and made free of any algal growth.

Ensure High-Quality Food

We’ve already mentioned that angelfish are omnivorous, so they enjoy balanced diets that contain a variety of frozen and live foods, such as brine shrimp, fish flakes, and even fresh veggies. Angelfish mainly prefer lettuce and spinach.

While feeding the fish, you need to ensure that you’re providing them only as much as they need. Angelfish have a tendency to be gluttonous, which means they might try and trick you into overfeeding them.

You can feed angelfish 3-4 times a day in small portions that they can consume in about a minute. If you’re feeding them high-quality fish food, then once a day is enough to keep them healthy and alive.

Caution Against Overfeeding

Overfeeding angelfish can result in their bodies releasing excess toxins into the water in the tank. This can destroy the balance of the water parameters. Also, overfeeding can harm the fish’s internal organs and result in a variety of health problems.

Minimize Stress Factors

The angelfish lifespan can be negatively impacted due to stressful conditions, especially when they are breeding. So, you should take the required steps to eliminate stress factors such as unhealthy water parameters, sound pollution, or small tank size.

Another stressor that you should watch out for is an overcrowded tank. Take care not to put too many fish, especially other angelfish in the community tank. Otherwise, they might nip at each other’s fins.

If you’re in the mood to keep angelfish in a large tank with other types of fish, then make sure you select the right community tank mates. Suitable tank mates for angelfish include mollies, corydoras, catfish, and swordtails, among others. Never go for aggressive species, such as bettas or goldfish.

Angelfish belong to cichlids, and can be aggressive toward one another, especially while protecting a spawn. Make sure you have more females than males if possible.

Monitor for Diseases

Just like humans, angelfish are prone to a variety of diseases. These include Ich (also known as white spot disease), hole-in-the-head disease, dropsy, and mouth fungus. So, you need to acquaint yourself with and regularly check the fish for signs of these problems.

Male Or Female Angelfish-Which Lives Longer?

There’s no proven evidence to suggest that either the male or female angelfish species live longer than the other. Provided with the right conditions, both species can live equally long lives.

However, we did find that angelfish involved in excessive breeding purposes have shorter life spans. Perhaps, this is simply because breeding tires out the fish faster, thus shortening their life period.

How Long Can Angelfish Live Without A Filter?

Without a filter, the water in the aquarium will become toxic faster, which will lead to a compromise of the angelfish’s immune system. This can ultimately lead to diseases or even subsequent death.

According to expert estimates, angelfish can survive a maximum of 12 hours in an aquarium without a water filter.

How Long Can Angelfish Live Without A Heater?

Angelfish have their natural habitats in tropical waters, which means they usually find it hard to live in the absence of a water heater. Colder temperatures go against the natural habitat conditions of the tropical fish and lead to stunted growth and eventual death. The maximum they can live without a heater is one or two weeks.

Conclusion

We hope you now have a good idea of the average lifespan of angelfish. Like any other living being, their life duration also depends on the environmental factors, lineage, and of course, the quality of food they get.

Using the tips and methods mentioned above, you’ll be able to maintain the living conditions of your angelfish better. That way, if you’re doing everything perfectly, you might be able to make angelfish live a few years longer than the average 10-12 years.

Just make sure you learn enough about proper angelfish care and maintenance.

Are Angelfish Aggressive? (Angelfish Fighting Guide)

Freshwater Angelfish are a beautiful species of fish, and they’re extremely popular among fish hobbyists. They are fun to watch, add a lot of charm to an aquarium, and typically keep to themselves. When it comes to add angelfish to your tank, there are many questions that come up such as “are angelfish aggressive?”

In this article we’ll explore what angelfish aggression really looks like and why is my male angelfish attacking the female as well as what is the best thing you could do if your angelfish fighting each other. So keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

Are Freshwater Angelfish Aggressive?

Generally, angelfish have a reputation for being a great tank mate and peaceful community fish in a community aquarium. They are known to get along swimmingly with other tropical species and plenty of other fish.

Angelfish belongs to the Cichlid family, they are typically most aggressive during their breeding times for a variety of reasons. Female angelfish can also be aggressive in response to protecting their eggs from tank mates, and male angelfish can become aggressive over choosing mates when other males are also looking to choose tank a mate.

Why is My Angelfish so Aggressive?

Angelfish want to be the dominant fish in your tank. They communicate through chemicals that are released into the water through their excrements, which establishes their status within the tank.

If you’re changing the tank’s water too frequently, you may be forcing them to reestablish their status, causing fights among other fish.

If your angelfish feels crowded, doesn’t have a place to hide, or is stressed, they may be acting aggressively in response. Angelfish are naturally peaceful yet feisty, so you want to ensure you’re doing everything you can to provide them with their ideal environment.

Are Angelfish Aggressive with Each Other?

Cichlids are known for being on the aggressive side, with the angelfish being one of the more tame species. There are several reasons why angelfish tend to become aggressive with other angelfish.

If their environment is not ideal, it can cause stress and aggression. Angelfish need plenty of space, hiding places, and low current in the tank. Being territorial leads to them developing the pecking order and determining the dominant fish.

If you have two male angelfish in your aquarium, they’re more likely to become a lot more aggressive with each other.

Are Male or Female Angelfish More Aggressive?

Both male and female angelfish will be aggressive for different reasons, but typically males are the more common aggressor. Most of the time, angelfish become aggressive over territory in the community tank.

If two or more males are kept together without providing them with enough space, it can get ugly.

Females can become aggressive after spawning, as they want to protect their eggs.

Why is My Male Angelfish Attacking the Female?

Male angelfish will attack female angelfish over territory, but more likely, it’s usually right before spawning. Pair of angelfish will posture or twitch and attack each other before spawning. If they continue to be aggressive with each other after spawning, the male may have eaten the eggs.

When the male and female angelfish pairs are breeding, it can also appear aggressive, so keep that in mind.

Are Angelfish Aggressive Towards Other Fish in Community Tank?

Angelfish can definitely become aggressive with other types of fish, especially ones that are equally as territorial as they are. It can cause severe stress for them.

Angelfish can also prey to larger omnivores who are also territorial and aggressive fish, like Betta fish.

It’s recommended that you pair angelfish with other Cichlids, Oscars, or other large species that aren’t known for aggression.

You should avoid take mates that have the tendency to nip, like Serpae Tetras. Since angelfish have long and delicate fins, they can sustain significant damage when other fish chase and nip at them.

Do angelfish eat other fish? Be careful when adding small fish to an angelfish tank as they will eat any fish that fits. They are omnivores, and any fish that fits in their mouth will likely get eaten, labelling them as a predator.

How To Stop Angelfish From Being Aggressive

As a tank owner, you can do everything right and still have angelfish that’s being aggressive occasionally, but you can minimize the conditions for aggression to occur.

Add Hiding Places

Since they are territorial, you likely won’t avoid any aggression that comes along with that, but you can do your best to provide plenty of space, a variety of hiding spots, and setting them up in their ideal environment, which can help prevent boredom-related illnesses like fin rot or ich.

Plants are a great choice for hiding places, especially ones with large leaves like anubias. Driftwood and ornaments also make good homes in tanks.

Have More Females Than Males

If you want to have a peaceful angelfish tank, one of the best things you can do is make sure that there are more females than males.

When there are more males than females, we’ve noticed that they become much more aggressive towards other males when competing for a female. In the meantime, the males are going to be constantly harassing the females, which will cause females more stress.

In general, you should have 3 female angelfish to every male angelfish. You can always have more females than males in your tank if possible.

Introduce New Fish Properly

When you’re adding new fish to your established tank, especially other angelfish, you will want to introduce them properly. It’s recommended to have them meet as soon as possible to establish their dominance immediately. Many hobbyists opt to get two or more angelfish at once to get the introductions over with.

Suppose you have a dominant angelfish already when introducing a newcomer. In that case, you may want to consider taking the dominant one out of the tank for a few days, keeping it in a separate tank.

Doing this allows the newcomer to get comfortable with the tank, find hiding spots they like, and meet their tank mates. You can rearrange any decor and then put the original fish back in to avoid fighting.

Make Sure The Tank Isn’t Crowded Or Too Small

If you’re seeing the aggression becoming a little too frequent, you may want to invest in a larger tank if you feel that’s a contributing factor. Since they’re territorial, not having adequate space can cause stress and aggression. You will also want to keep the current to a minimum as angelfish aren’t overly agile, and it can cause stress.

Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Food

You also need to make sure you’re feeding your angelfish enough. If they don’t get fed enough, then obviously it’s going to start fighting for food!

Feed your angelfish for two minutes at a time. You should be giving as much food as they can eat the whole time, and don’t feed them more than you know they can take of in one sitting (generally about 1 to 2 teaspoons).

Don't Change Water too Frequently

One of the most important ways to avoid aggression is to not change the water too often. Angelfish establish their dominance through the water, their urine, and excrements. If you’re changing the water too often, it can lead to angelfish having to reestablish dominance each time.

Overview

Angelfish(Pterophyllum scalare) are relatively easy to care for, and while they can become aggressive, there’s typically a reason for why they do so. As long as you ensure you’re not cleaning their water too often, you’ve given them ample space and hiding spots, have a low current, and pair them with fish they get along with, you should have no problem with your beautiful new aquarium addition.

Freshwater Angelfish Temperature Guide (Vital Information)

Freshwater angelfish are a beautiful addition to any fish tank. These gorgeous, brightly-colored fish can be found in at least 20 different species and colors. If you want your fish to be healthy and thrive, then it’s crucial that they are happy in their environment.

Angelfish originate from the Amazon River Basin and various rivers in tropical South America, so this gives you some indication of the perfect angelfish water temperature.

Best Freshwater Angelfish Temperature

Freshwater angelfish usually require slightly warmer tank temperatures. They can survive in several temps, but 78 to 84 degrees F is going to be the best for your fish. This species can be very sensitive to temperature factors. They notice changes right away, which can shock them if the temperature drops suddenly.

You can easily monitor the tank’s temperature with a heater and thermometer combination. That way, you can quickly respond to sudden changes in your aquarium. The best options for Angelfish will have an easy to see and read display that you set up right on the tank.

Keeping their tank at the proper temperature takes dedication. You will want to check the tank several times a day until you stabilize it. Once you get a feel for keeping the temperature right, you can start checking it less often. The tank should not change drastically unless you have it near a draft or sunny window.

Angelfish can survive in colder temperatures but will not have the best quality of life. The lowest they can tolerate is 65 degrees, but you want to keep it well above that. The perfect angelfish temperature is 75 degrees or higher. Overall, keep their tank clean and their water aerated, and they will be perfectly happy.

Best Temperature for Angelfish Eggs & Fry

When your angelfish have eggs, there are two main options. First, you can let the fish care for the eggs. Second, you can take care of the eggs yourself.

When leaving the eggs with the fish, be sure you know they may eat the eggs and fry. When stressed, angelfish will eat their young. That means you need to provide them with the most suitable conditions.

Angelfish aerate the eggs on their own and will clean them. If you decide to separate the parents from the eggs, you will need to do this on your own.

The best temperature for hatching eggs is 80 degrees F (about 26.67 celsius). As this is also suitable for angelfish, you can keep the adults with their young if needed.

What Happens if the Angelfish Tank Temperature Becomes Too Cold?

Most Angelfish, like the Altum angel or koi angels, you want to keep the temperature between 82 and 86 degrees. They notice changes easily and will not respond well. Fish are cold-blooded, which means they can not regulate their body temperatures.

The water can directly impact their metabolism. If the water is cold, they become tired and will swim much slower than normal. Temperature changes also can lead to excessive stress, which can cause death. Fluctuations in water conditions impact their immune system, too, and can make it easier to receive a bacterial infection.

Overall, it is best to keep the tank’s temperature in a comfortable setting for your fish. While they may have a higher tolerance for various temperatures, you don’t want your fish to be uncomfortable.

What Happens if Your Angelfish Tank Temperature is Too High?

On the other hand, you may accidentally set the temperature too high for your fish. While angelfish have a higher tolerance to warm water than cold, you still want to make the changes as soon as you notice.

Hot water causes the angelfish to have issues with a fast metabolism. They become much more lively and will swim fast in their space. However, they may have issues eating and will feel extreme amounts of stress.

The biggest problems come when the temperatures go above 90 degrees. Fish breathe through oxygen in the water, which is harder for them to find when it’s hot. As they are moving faster, they need more air- which they aren’t getting enough of. Angelfish can suffocate in this circumstance.

Stress caused by hot water can lead to diseases and a suitable environment for bacteria and parasites. If you want to have happy, healthy fish, then ensuring their tank is at the proper temperature is going to be one of the best things you can do for them.

How Do You Maintain the Ideal Temperature in Your Angelfish Tank?

To maintain the ideal water temp for your angelfish tank, you want to spend some time checking it every day. If you keep an eye on the temperature, then you should react quickly when you notice any changes. It’s important to use an accurate thermometer.

Make sure not to place the tank near open windows or vents. They can cause the temperature in the tank to fall rapidly. Additionally, you need to watch for the sun shining on the tank. It can create a greenhouse effect, leading to a hot aquarium.

Heavy aquariums are not suitable for desks or normal pieces of furniture. You need something stronger. Not following the weight limits can lead to disasters later! Keep in mind that Angelfish can grow very large, meaning they need spacious tanks to be comfortable.

You will want to spend some time thinking about the best place to put the aquarium. The living room and other central rooms you visit often are usually going to be the best locations. You can check on your fish as you walk past, making it convenient to check on them.

The sooner you can check problems with the water- the sooner you can fix them!

Consider Other Fish in a Community Tank

Suppose you plan on raising other species of fish with your Angelfish. In that case, you should also consider what temperatures they can tolerate. Just because other species can live with your Angelfish doesn’t mean they should- you may need to lower the temperature too much.

Keeping your fish comfortable is what’s most important. You don’t want to leave your fish at the ends of their temperature tolerances for too long. In the wild, fish would swim away from these conditions, but they can’t in a tank.

It’s best if you separate fish that require temperatures that are too different. Even if their tolerances overlap, doing so may not be good for them. Make sure to research species thoroughly that you plan on adding to your Angelfish tank.

Conclusion

If you have freshwater angelfish, the best way to take care of them is to check the temperature of their tank often. Serious issues can occur when the water is too hot or cold. These particular species respond to changes very quickly.

Overall, you will want to get a good thermometer for your tank. They make it easier to view the temperature and are going to be more accurate for you. Your fish will be sure to appreciate it! If you want to learn more about fishkeeping, check out the rest of my blog posts.