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!

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