Angelfish

Freshwater Angelfish are elegant, disc-shaped cichlids known for their distinctive triangular shape and flowing fins. Native to the Amazon River basin, they are the freshwater equivalent of marine angelfish. While beautiful, they require specific care and become territorial as they mature. They can grow quite tall (up to 10 inches with fins), making tank height more important than floor space.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Angelfish need tall tanks due to their body shape:

• Minimum 30 gallons (55+ recommended for adults)
• Minimum height: 18 inches (24+ preferred)
• Heater to maintain 76-84°F
• Moderate filtration
• Tall plants (Amazon Swords, Vallisneria)
• Driftwood and rocks for territory definition

Important: They need vertical space! A 30-gallon tall tank is better than a long tank.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <30 ppm

Weekly 25-30% water changes are essential. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with tannins (Indian Almond Leaves).

Feeding

Angelfish are omnivores with a preference for meaty foods:

• High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
• Live foods: blackworms, adult brine shrimp
• Vegetables: blanched zucchini, cucumber (occasionally)

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily. They have big appetites but overfeeding causes obesity and health issues.

Behavior & Compatibility

Juvenile angelfish are peaceful, but adults become territorial:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Larger Tetras (Lemon, Black Skirt - avoid small tetras)
  • Corydoras Catfish
  • Dwarf Gourami
  • Plecos (Bristlenose, smaller varieties)
  • Larger Rasboras

• Avoid:

  • Small fish (Neon Tetras, Guppies - will be eaten!)
  • Fin-nippers (Serpae Tetras, some Barbs)
  • Aggressive cichlids
  • Other angelfish (unless breeding pair)

Aggression Management

• Keep in pairs or groups of 6+ (odd numbers cause bullying)
• Provide visual barriers with plants
• Ensure adequate territory space
• Add dither fish (fast swimmers that distract aggression)
• Be prepared to separate if breeding aggression becomes severe

Size & Growth

• Juvenile size: 1-2 inches
• Adult body size: 6 inches tall, 6 inches long
• With fins: Up to 10 inches tall!
• Growth rate: Rapid in first year, then slows

Breeding

Angelfish are relatively easy to breed:

• Form pairs naturally or buy proven pairs
• Lay eggs on vertical surfaces (filter, plants, slate)
• Both parents guard eggs and fry
• Eggs hatch in 48-60 hours
• Feed fry: baby brine shrimp, crushed flakes

Challenges:

• First-time parents may eat eggs
• Need to identify male/female (difficult until breeding)
• Fry require frequent feeding (4-6 times daily)

Common Health Issues

1. Hexamita (Hole-in-Head Disease): Nutritional deficiency; improve diet
2. Fin Rot: Poor water quality; improve conditions
3. Ich: White spots; treat with temperature and medication
4. Bloat: Overfeeding; fast and improve diet
5. Gill Flukes: Flashing behavior; treat with anti-parasitic

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 25-30% water changes
• Vacuum substrate (they’re messy eaters)
• Clean filter media monthly
• Prune plants regularly
• Test water weekly
• Monitor for aggression

Tips for Success

• Buy 6-8 juveniles and let them pair naturally
• Ensure tank is fully cycled before adding
• Provide vertical swimming space
• Feed varied, high-quality diet
• Keep nitrates low with regular water changes
• Add tannins for natural feel
• Be patient - they grow slowly after the first year
• Have a backup plan for aggression issues

Varieties

• Silver (wild type)
• Marble
• Zebra
• Black
• Gold/Koi
• Platinum
• Veiltail (longer fins)
• Altum (larger, more difficult)