Angelfish belong to the largest families of vertebrates known to science. The family Cichlidae is comprised of over 1,300 classified species in 220 different genera. New species are found and identified every year. It is estimated that there may 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 in fact true, this species is also native to both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River systems. Angelfish populations are common throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia as well as Brazil.
Angels are captivatingly magnificent creatures. Angels have been a long time favorite of aquarists throughout the world. Their distinctive triangular profile undoubtedly contributed to their immense popularity. Angelfish are sold in an array of colorings, from unembellished to banded, veined, black, golden, or Koi. They are undoubtedly among the most readily available fish on the market. Angels are absurdly cheap. Angelfish are one of the most worry free fish you can own.
Appearances can be deceiving. The specimens found in the fish shops are quite young. They usually grow to six inches in length in adulthood. They can be kept in a fish tank as little as 10 gallons but 20 gallons and is more obliging to their adult size.
Angelfish have easy going temperaments. Angels are perfect community dwellers. Angels will, however, deem smaller tank mates as a tasty snack. Refrain from housing them with smaller varieties such as minnows, zebra danios or guppies. You will also want to avoid keeping angels with fish like barbs and tetras. These are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish’s long, flowing fins will be seen as target, ready for the eating.
Angelfish are omnivores. Their diet should contain both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to choose a fish food developed for omnivores as their main staple. A high quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish healthy and happy. Many aquarists prefer to provide an assortment of nutritional choices in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not mandatory, it is recommended. You might want to ask yourself; would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A diverse diet will help to ensure optimum health. Dried seaweed sheets make an excellent supplement for omnivores. Protein based dietary additives like brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms are great alternatives to common fish food. Frozen and freeze dried preparations are readily available and make an excellent substitute for live food.
These fish are endemic to the Amazon River basin. They favor water with an acidic pH factor. A pH factor of 6.8 and temperatures ranging between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Under premium conditions your angelfish will live up to 10 years of age.
In regards to parenting, all fish can be divided into two specific categories. There are those species that will abandon their unborn eggs or even eat them in complete disregard for nature’s mandate to prorogate the species. Then there are the fish that express varying amounts of brooding intuition. All cichlids fall in the second category. Angelfish are most often referred to 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 deposit their eggs on. Brooders will express custodial obligations by standing guard over and tending to their unborn offspring until they hatch. Generally the male stands guard over his future offspring while the female tends to the eggs. After the eggs are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending their offspring.
Keeping a fish in a volume of water that is too small is not wise pet ownership. You wouldn’t entertain the thought of raising an angel an ultra-thin wall mounted aquarium. To discover more about your favorite freshwater aquarium fish check out the fish buying guide.
