Angelfish are among the most popular freshwater aquarium fish because they’re gorgeous.
Angelfish come in various colors and patterns, and their long fins make them a graceful addition to any tank.
But Angelfish are more than just a pretty face; they’re also surprisingly hardy fish that are relatively easy to care for.
What is an Angelfish?
Just like other fish in captivity, angel fish are kept for specific reasons.
What is the Purpose of an Angelfish?
Angelfish are a type of freshwater fish that are commonly kept as pets.
Though their name might suggest otherwise, these fish are not related to angels.
They are named for their distinctive long fins resembling angels’ wings; hence, they are aesthetically appealing to the eye.
What is the Origin of Angelfish?
Angelfish are native to the warm freshwater rivers of South America.
There are many different species of angelfish, but the two most common ones kept as pets are the scalare (Pterophyllum scalare) and altum (Pterophyllum altum) angelfish.
Similar Alternatives to Angelfish
Some similar freshwater aquarium fish to angelfish include other cichlids like:
- Symphysodon: Also known as the discus fish, Symphysodon is native to the Amazon River basin and is closely related to angelfish. Unlike their colorful cousins, however, discus fish are mostly gray or brown. They can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 20 inches in length, and have a lifespan of up to 15 years.
- Rainbow cichlids: Rainbow cichlids are native to Lake Malawi in Africa, and they come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, blue, and red. Rainbow cichlids are also relatively easy to care for and make an excellent addition to any community tank.
- Dwarf cichlids: Unlike angelfish, dwarf cichlids stay relatively small, making them a good choice for smaller tanks. They are also peaceful fish, making them a good choice for community tanks.
- Acaras: Acaras are a type of cichlid that comes from South America. They are popular aquarium fish because they are relatively easy to care for and beautiful. Acaras come in various colors, including pink, blue, and yellow. They grow to be about four inches long and live for six to eight years.
How Much Does Angelfish Cost?
Prices for angelfish can vary depending on the fish’s size, color, and pattern.
However, most angelfish will cost between $10 and $30.
The most expensive angelfish can cost upwards of $100, but these are usually show-quality fish with rare colors or patterns.
Angelfish Behavior
Angelfish are social creatures that live in groups in the wild.
In the home aquarium, they should be kept in pairs or larger groups.
What Do Angelfish Do For Your Tank?
Angelfish are known for being messy eaters, so you may see an increase in the amount of waste in your tank.
However, on the other hand, they feed on algae, so they will somehow clean your tank.
Is an Angelfish Dangerous?
Angelfish are known for being aggressive, so they may not get along well with other fish in your tank.
However, they don’t exhibit the same behavior as human beings.
Angelfish Lifespan
The lifespan of fish can vary greatly depending on its habitat and care.
How Long Do Angelfish Live?
On average, angelfish live for about 5 to 10 years.
However, some individual fish have been known to live for 15 years or more.
How Big Can an Angelfish Get?
In terms of growth, angelfish start small but can reach a relatively large size.
Adult angelfish can be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches long.
How Fast Do Angelfish Grow?
The growth rate also varies depending on the species, but most angelfish will reach full size within a year or two.
Tank & Water Requirements
In the wild, angelfish typically grow to be about 4-6 inches long, but captive Angelfish can reach up to 12 inches.
Best Tank Size for Angelfish
As a result of their large size, angelfish require a tank that is at least 20 gallons.
However, it is important to note that Angelfish are very active swimmers and will often swim back and forth along the length of the tank.
As a result, a more extended tank is often better than a taller one.
Best Water Parameters & Conditions for Angelfish
Ideally, angelfish prefers slightly acidic water, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
The water should also be well-filtered and free of Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates.
Angelfish also requires moderate water flow, so an air pump is often necessary for proper circulation.
Regarding temperature, Angelfish are most comfortable in water between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is because Angelfish are native to the Amazon basin, which has a tropical climate.
Best Habitat for Angelfish
When setting up an aquarium for angelfish, it is essential to create an environment that resembles their natural habitat as much as possible.
This means using live plants and rocks to create hiding places and areas of shelter.
Plants like java fern and hornwort are good choices as they like to nibble on.
Tank Mates for Angelfish
Angelfish can be fussy eaters and are known to nip the fins of other fish.
As a result, it’s important to choose suitable tank mates for angelfish.
What Fish Make Good Tank Mates for Angelfish?
Schools of small, peaceful fish are a good choice, as they won’t compete with angelfish for food and are unlikely to be nipped.
Some good examples include:
- Tetras
- Danios
- Rasboras
Which Fish Should Angelfish Avoid?
When keeping angelfish, one should also avoid aggressive fish that could damage their delicate fins, such as barbs and gouramis.
How Many Angelfish Should be Kept Together?
A good rule of thumb is to keep one angelfish per 10 gallons of water, with additional space for each extra fish.
Breeding & Reproduction
Since angel fish are social creatures, breeding and reproduction are part of their social life.
Do Angelfish Breed Easily?
The answer to this question depends on some factors.
These include the type of angelfish and the conditions of the aquarium.
In general, angelfish do not breed easily in captivity.
The reason is that they have specific breeding requirements, such as a large tank with plenty of hiding places.
In addition, they are often aggressive towards their fry (baby fish), making it difficult to raise a brood successfully.
However, it is possible to successfully breed angelfish in an aquarium with proper care and attention.
How Long Does it Take for an Angelfish to Have Babies?
The answer is anywhere from two to eight weeks.
Then, the female fish will lay her eggs in a secluded spot, and the male will fertilize them.
The fry will hatch a few days later and be independent within two weeks.
However, it will take several months for them to reach adulthood.
How Long is an Angelfish Pregnant?
The gestation period is usually about eight weeks, but this can vary depending on the species of angelfish.
How to Care for Angelfish
Keeping angelfish isn’t just bundling them in a tank and forgetting about them.
One ought to take good care of the fish for them to thrive.
General Care for Angelfish
Angelfish are relatively easy to care for, but they have specific requirements.
Regular tank cleaning is necessary to keep the water quality high and prevent the build-up of toxins.
Since they are freshwater fish, they will need a filter and regular water changes to keep the water clean.
Angelfish are also sensitive to high ammonia levels, so keeping an eye on the tank’s levels and doing regular water changes is essential.
Angelfish Diet and Feeding
Angelfish are omnivorous, which means that they will eat both plants and animals.
In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and algae.
In captivity, readily available food can be incorporated into their diet, such as:
- Flakes
- Pellets
- Live food
- Frozen food
It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
Angelfish are also fussy eaters, so it’s important to offer a variety of foods and experiment to see what they like best.
Angelfish are not known to be fussy eaters, but they have specific dietary requirements that must be met.
Common Problems With Angelfish
One of the most common problems with angelfish is diseases.
Unfortunately, angelfish are susceptible to several diseases such as ich.
Ich is a common freshwater fish disease that is caused by a parasite.
The symptoms include white spots on the body and fins, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Angelfish are also susceptible to several other diseases, including:
- Fin rot: This bacterial infection causes the fins to rot. The symptoms include red or blackened fins, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Hexamita: This is a parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about angelfish.
Do angelfish make good pets?
Yes, angelfish make good pets. They are relatively easy to care for and can be a peaceful addition to an aquarium.
Are angelfish good for beginners?
Yes, angelfish are good for beginners. They are relatively easy to care for and do not require much attention.
Final Thoughts
Angelfish are a popular freshwater fish that is relatively easy to care for.
They are omnivorous and do not require a lot of space. However, they are susceptible to disease and must be kept in a clean tank.
Here is an excellent example of angel fish; you can click to check it out.
