Angelfish are popular freshwater fish known for their long fins, striking colors, and ease of breeding. This guide provides expert insights into their care and breeding from a seasoned breeder, Dean.
Overview of Angelfish
- Species: P. scalare (common), P. altum (largest), and P. leopoldi (rarest).
- Colors and Patterns: Include silver, koi, zebra, marble, albino, and more.
- Size: P. scalare grows up to 6 inches long and 8 inches tall; P. altum can reach 7 inches long and 13 inches tall.
- Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care.
Care and Habitat
- Tank Requirements: Minimum 29 gallons for a community tank; larger tanks for more fish. Keep at temperatures of 78–86°F and a pH of 6.0–8.0.
- Setup: Angelfish thrive in tanks with live plants like java fern, which provide cover and enrichment.
- Tank Mates: Avoid fin nippers and small prey. Suitable companions include black skirt tetras, cardinal tetras, and cory catfish.
Feeding
- Diet: Enjoys a mix of flakes, freeze-dried foods, and frozen bloodworms. Fry thrive on live baby brine shrimp.
Breeding
- Pairing: Raise 6 juveniles and let them pair naturally. Move pairs to a 20-gallon tank for spawning.
- Spawning: Females lay hundreds of eggs every 1–2 weeks, often on vertical surfaces. Fry become free-swimming in about a week.
- Eggs and Fry: A single spawn can produce up to 1,000 eggs, but survival rates vary.
Angelfish are versatile and vibrant, making them ideal for hobbyists. They are easy to care for, and breeding them can even help support the costs of maintaining an aquarium.
