Angelfish are a very popular fish kind at home aquariums. This is because of their long and majestic fins that people love to look at, especially little kids. These are well-loved due to their beauty & grace while being quite popular and affordable. In case you want to own one yourself or if you’re intrigued about their maintenance, lifespan, as well as some other tips & tricks – keep on reading! We will discuss all there’s to them down below.
Top 8 crucial facts to know about angelfish & their maintenance
1. What are Angelfish?
Angelfish or Pterophyllum is a small genus of freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae. New colors and patterns of angelfish are constantly being developed, meaning that you can get different kinds for yourself. There are veil, koi, zebra, marble, albino, leopard, and platinum fish types. These fish get to the size of a small saucer, so be prepared to give them plenty of space. Usually, they are around 15cm in length. They can also live anywhere from 8 to 12 years long. Expect to pay for one fish around $5 to $20 and upwards.
2. Are they aggressive?
Many pet stores label angelfish as “semi-aggressive”, which puts them in that sem-in-between phase. This is because this type of fish can and will usually chase one another in the aquarium, but it will not go for bigger species. This is not dangerous, as long as if the fish have enough space to move around and stay comfortable in the tank. As long as they are with proper partners and breed of fish that work well with their kind, they won’t make a mess.
3. How to pick out a fish?
When buying angelfish at a store you should aim for a quarter-sized or nickel-sized kind in terms of their length. However, you should never go for a thin or way too slim of a fish. Those who have a thicker body will survive and withstand new circles or surroundings a lot easier. Try to avoid fish that have issues with their eyesight as well, such blurry vision can be an issue in a smaller tank. In conclusion, it is best to ask the store for their opinion about the best of the best, and the healthiest fish.
4. How to set up their aquarium?
Angelfish can be kept in a wide variety of setups, which makes your process and upkeep quite easy. You can put them in bare tanks, community tanks, and planted tanks. Most people prefer to add aquatic plants to give life and beauty to the tank. As for water parameters, angelfish tend to prefer warmer temperatures between 78-86°F. Angelfish can usually adapt to soft water with no problems, which makes them a low-maintenance and practical type of fish.
5. What type of a tank would they need?
The aquarium size depends on how many fish you plan to have. Do you prefer smaller tanks or do you want a wide range and variety of different kinds of fish? For instance, if you have a 29-gallon community tank, keep no more than four adult angelfish with other tank mates. For a larger tank of 55-gallons, you can place 6 fish. Do the math beforehand and only then make your purchase. The best tank & fish should also suit your budget options.
6. What type of fish can you keep in the tank with an angelfish?
Because of their long, gorgeous fins, it is important to give them optimal results and ideal mates. You should stay away from any fin nippers or fast-swimming fish since these can harm your angelfish. You should also avoid adding shrimp to the tank. The angelfish may try to attack the betta fish, which is why your selection process needs to be smart & careful. Most people recommend choosing a giant betta or regular betta with shorter fins to increase their swimming speed.
7. What to feed them with?
Angelfish are easy to feed and you won’t experience a lot of issues with this kind. You can feed them with common foods such as flakes, worms, and smaller hikari bites. Baby brine shrimp is also a good idea since it will speed up the growth or the survival rate of bigger clownfish. Having a variety of foods and mixing up between different kinds is also a good idea since you don’t want to leave them with plain or simple food selections. You should avoid risking them get fed up with the same foods.
8. How many eggs can they lay?
Each successful spawn can produce up to 1000 eggs, believe it or not! If you end up pairing several different fish in your tank, expect them to yield 300 to 600 fry. Unfortunately, they won’t all make it to adulthood, so it is hard to say what to expect within your home-style aquarium and circumstances. This issue of pairing or laying eggs can also happen due to poor genetics. This is why the fish breeding part should be left to experienced breeders or at least animal lovers.
Where to find the best food for your angelfish + what to feed it with?
If you have just bought yourself a new angelfish, yet you are not too sure what to feed it with, check out Paint a Fish. On there and with their helpful guide, everyone can find the best food items for their pet fish. Each can and food option will have specific pros & cons written next to it. This way, you will understand what it is that your fish needs and may want within a given moment. Go for foods that don’t cloud the water, which are of high quality, as well as foods that are easy to digest and absorb. Luckily, all of you frequently asked questions are covered on this site, perfect for pros or newbies who are just getting in touch with angelfish kinds.
