Important Tips on Angelfish Care
Angelfish (Pterophyllum Scalare) are a part of the family Cichlidae. This family is also called cichlids. Freshwater angels originated in the freshwater rivers and tributaries of Central South America.
Angelfish are enchantingly magnificent creatures. These fish are one of the most popular choices for fish lovers. Their unique body shape inarguably contributed to their massive popularity. They are sold in a multitude of color palettes, from unembellished to striped, veined, black, golden, or Koi. They are undoubtedly the most commonly carried fish in department stores and pet shops. Angels are ridiculously inexpensive. Angels are amongst the easiest species to care for.
While angels will not grow anywhere near the size of an oscar or a discus, they are not a small species. The fish on display in pet stores are generally quite young. These fish normally reach six inches in length when fully grown. They can be maintained in a rather small aquarium as juveniles. A mature angel, however, should not be housed in tank less than 10 gallons in size. A 20 gallon aquarium is preferable.
Angelfish have mild mannered characters. Angels are wonderful community dwellers. A word of advice: They will instinctively view smaller tank mates as a tempting taste treat. Do not keep them with smaller fish like minnows, zebra danios and fancy 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 are delightful morsel, ready for the eating.
This is an omnivorous species. Their diet should consist of both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to choose a fish food that is formulated for omnivores as their main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish fit and full of vigor. Many fish hobbyists prefer to provide an assortment of dietary supplements in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not strictly mandatory, it is a good practice. You might want to ask yourself; 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 ensure optimum health. Dried seaweed sheets make a great supplement for omnivores. Protein based dietary additives like brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms make ideal dietary supplements. Frozen and freeze dried preparations are easy to find and make an excellent substitute for live food.
Angelfish are endemic to the Amazon River system. They prefer water with a slightly acidic base. A pH factor of 6.8 with temperatures ranging between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal environment. In a pristine environment your angelfish will live up to 10 years of age.
Unlike most fish species of the Amazon River, these fish will not prey upon their new born. In fact, angelfish will aggressively stand guard over their eggs until the newborn fry emerge. After they hatch, the parents will usher their offspring from plant to plant for close to a week. At some predetermined point, the angelfish's attentive instinct will disappear. The adults will suddenly view their newborn as a means of nutrition. The adults should be moved immediately.
Keeping a specific fish in a volume of water that is not large enough could have disastrous results. A knowledgeable fish owner wouldn't consider keeping an angelfish four inch deep If you enjoyed our article, uncover more fun filled facts on the world's favorite by going to our fish buying guide.
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