Angelfish are popular and hardy fish in the aquarium hobby, known for their distinctive triangle shape and long fins. They do best in tropical freshwater environments that mimic their natural habitat in the slow-moving waters of the Amazon basin. However, due to being commercially bred for so many generations, domesticated strands can live in a wider range of conditions. The angelfish should be kept in large tanks with a large footprint, 75 gallons, with water temperatures around the range of 78–85°F and pH around the range of 5.0–7.0. Domesticated strains again have a wider range of water conditions. It’s important to maintain these conditions consistently to keep angelfish healthy and prevent stress or illness.
Breeding angelfish can be a rewarding experience, as it is one of the most popular fish for hobbyists to breed. Keep in mind that breeding angelfish will result in a surplus of fish. If you do not have a means to either give them away or sell them, you should not be breeding them. The process begins with identifying a pair, which can be challenging due to the subtle physical differences between males and females. The most reliable method for sexing angelfish involves observing their breeding tubes. Females have wide, blunt breeding tubes, while males have thin, pointy ones. However, this method is hard, and often, it is better to simply buy a known pair if you are interested in breeding. Angelfish pairs will prepare for spawning by sticking together and cleaning the spawning site. For breeding success, it’s crucial to feed them high-quality (low in fillers) and varied foods. At times, live food can be used as a trigger.
To breed angelfish, it is ideal to keep the pair separate from other fish of similar or larger size due to the aggression and stress that a spawning pair can cause. The female lays up to 400 eggs, which the male then fertilizes. The eggs typically hatch within two to three days, and the fry is cared for by the parents for about a month. Often, it’s recommended to take out the eggs or fry and raise them manually. If you’re hatching the eggs yourself, ensure that they are well-oxygenated and remove moldy or white eggs. If there is a mold issue, it is recommended to add methylation blue or hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid keeping the eggs in the solution for several days, as both are mutagens and can result in large amounts of fry having deadly swim bladder defects. During this period, it’s essential to feed the fry appropriately, starting with small foods and progressing to the larger they grow. It is crucial at the 0-2 weeks stages to feed often in small amounts. The angelfish fry has small digestive systems that can easily rupture and break. After six weeks, the juvenile angelfish are ready to be either sold or given away. Out of a good spawn, you may get 75 surviving to adulthood.
In summary, successful angelfish care and breeding require attention to tank setup, diet, and breeding conditions. By closely replicating their natural habitat and ensuring optimal health through proper feeding, aquarists can enjoy the beauty and diversity of angelfish in their home aquariums.