What You Should Know Before Purchasing an Angelfish
Angelfish are members of one of the largest families of vertebrates on the planet. The family Cichlidae encompasses over 1,300 scientifically classified species in 220 different genera. New species are being added to this family every year. It is highly possible that there could be as many as 3,000 species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. This family, more commonly known as cichlids, includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will tell you that angelfish are endemic to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is true, this species also inhabits both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River basins. Angelfish populations are common throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia as well as Brazil.
Cichlids have become ever more popular with freshwater aquarists since 1945. Angelfish are inarguably among the most popular and easily recognizable freshwater species on the planet. Their distinctive triangular profile makes them one of the most exotic freshwater species on the market. The selective breeding of these creatures has increased the variety of angelfish available to the consumer. Angels come in a variety of color pallets, from solid black, gold, white, and silver to striped, marbled and Koi. Their abundance keeps their price extremely reasonable. They are a hardy species that can stay alive in a multitude of environmental conditions. Angelfish are unproblematic fish to keep healthy and happy. Their ease of care has undoubtedly increased their over all popularity.
While angels will not grow anywhere near the size of an oscar or a discus, they are not a small species. The angels you see in pet shops are almost certainly quite young. They routinely reach six inches in length when fully grown. They can be housed in a rather small aquarium when they are young. A fully grown angel, however, should not be housed in tank less than 10 gallons in size. A 20 gallon aquarium is advisable.
Angelfish are peace loving fish. Angelfish are wonderful community dwellers. A word of advice: They will instinctively regard smaller occupants of an aquarium as a food source. Do not house them with species like rasboras, zebra danios and fancy guppies. You also do not want to mix them with species like barbs and tetras. Both of these species types are notorious fin nippers. An angelfish’s full, billowing fins are mouth-watering taste treat, too appealing to pass on.
This is an omnivorous species. Their diet should be comprised of both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to choose a fish food prepared for omnivores as a main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish on top of it game. Many fish hobbyists prefer to provide a variety of dietary supplements in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not 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 diverse diet will help to eliminate the possibility of any nutritional deficiencies. Crushed seaweed sheets are a wonderful supplement for omnivores. Protein based supplements such as brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms will properly address the need for animal matter. If you can not find them fresh, frozen and freeze-dried variations are available commercially.
As natives of northern and central South America, angelfish are considered a tropical species. Angelfish are best suited to warmer water. A temperature range of 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is optimum. Angels 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, aquatic species can be divided into two basic categories. There are those species that will desert their unborn eggs or even ingest them with no regard to parental obligations. Then there are the fish that exhibit varying amounts of brooding instinct. All cichlids fall to some extent in the latter category. Angelfish are what is known as open brooders. Open brooders lay there eggs out in the open as opposed to hiding them from possible predation by cleaning a flat surface like a rock or piece of wood in order to lay their eggs on. A common trait among brooders is that they will guard over the brood until they hatch. Generally the male adopts the role as the protector by standing guard while the female becomes the eggs’ caregiver. After the eggs are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending the newborn.
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.
