Maintaining a Healthy Angelfish
Angelfish or Pterophyllum Scalare are assigned to the family Cichlidae. This family is more casually identified as cichlids. These fish are from the Amazon River, Orinoco River and Essequibo River systems of South America.
These fish are exceedingly elegant creatures. They top the popularity charts with freshwater aquarists. Their distinctive body structure inarguably added to their immense popularity. Angelfish are available in an array of body colors and patterns, from unembellished to striped, marbled, black, golden, or Koi. They are certainly among the most easily accessible fish on the market. They are ridiculously cheap. Freshwater angels are among the simplest fish to care for.
Their Size can be misleading. The angelfish on display in the pet stores have not yet reached maturity. Angelfish routinely grow to six inches in diameter. They can be kept in a fish tank as little as 10 gallons although 20 gallons and is perfect.
Angelfish are docile creatures. These fish are awesome community dwellers. They will, however, regard smaller species as a means of nutrition. Refrain from mixing them with species like rasboras, glofish and guppies. You also do not want to keep angels with species like barbs or tetras. Both of these species types are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish’s full, billowing fins will be perceived as taste treat, ready for consumption.
Angelfish are omnivores. Their diet should contain both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to choose a fish food that is formulated for omnivores as a main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish fit and full of vigor. Many fish keepers prefer to provide an assortment of dietary supplements in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not strictly mandatory, it is recommended. Would you want to have the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied diet will help to guard against the possibility of any nutritional deficiencies. Crushed seaweed sheets are a great supplement for omnivores. High protein supplements such as brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms are great alternatives to common fish food. Frozen and freeze dried preparations are readily available and make an excellent substitute for live food.
As natives of South America, angelfish are considered a tropical species. Angels will thrive in warmer water. A temperature range between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal environment. Angelfish are a relatively long lived species. If properly care for you can expect them to live in excess of 10 years of age.
When it comes to parenting, freshwater fish can be divided into two specific categories. There are those species that will abandon their unborn eggs or even eat them with no regard to parental obligations. Then there are the fish that express varying amounts of parental instinct. All cichlids fall in the second category. Angelfish are commonly called open brooders. This simply means that they will prepare a flat surface like a rock or piece of wood to lay their eggs on. A common trait among brooders is that they will guard over their unborn offspring until they hatch. Normally the male adopts the role as the protector by standing guard while the female becomes the eggs’ caregiver. Once the eggs are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending their offspring.
Housing any certain species of fish in an aquarium that is not large enough is a recipe for disaster. A knowledgeable fish owner wouldn’t consider trying to raise an angelfish an ultra-thin wall mounted aquarium. To learn more about everyone’s favorite freshwater aquarium fish browse through my fish buying guide.