By BETH ANN BATES
Angelfish are arguably the most
regal and most recognizable of all
freshwater fishes. Their slim bodies
and flowing fins give them the
appearance of gliding through the
water, but don’t let their
elegance fool you. These are feisty
fish! Angelfish (scientific name
Pterophyllum scalare) are part of the
cichlid family, and as such are not to
be pushed around.
On the other hand, for cichlids,
Angels are relatively peaceful. They
can be acceptable tank-mates for
other fish, as long as those fish are
too big for the angels to eat and are
not inclined to nip at their flowing
tails. Angels are mid-level swimmers, which means that they like the middle of the tank,
so they could possibly cohabitate with bottom-dwellers like catfish.
Angelfish are currently being bred in an array of beautiful color variations, including
marbled, pearl-scale (shiny, iridescent look), and koi, which mimics the colors of the koi
often seen in ponds. There are also variations in finage, such as the long, flowing veiltail.
All these varieties are stunning. Since both the upper and lower angels’ fins grow so tall
and long, they need a sizable aquarium, especially one with plenty of height.
Most experts recommend a tank of at least 20 gallons. I have my angelfish in a 30-gallon
high aquarium. This tank is taller than the regular 30-gallon, thus ideal for angels. When I
clean the gravel in this tank, I’m up to my armpits in water! This aquarium is the focal
point of my living-room, and it looks great. The six fish have plenty of space for their fins to
grow long, but as they mature their bodies are upwards of four or five inches tall not
including the fins. So the tank is at capacity. As much as I’m tempted to add something, I
probably should not. With any tank plan, less is more.
When aquarists are browsing in their local fish store or admiring fish for sale at their
local club, there are many species that are lovely and tempting. Angels are certainly high
on the list of fish that you may buy impulsively. Beware! Angelfish are not usually
considered a good choice for a beginning hobbyist. One reason is that they require a
larger aquarium than most beginners want to buy. These fish are bigger and more
delicate than the common beginner fish, such as the livebearers I wrote about last month.
The angels also live much longer — some estimate 8 to 10 years — so they represent a
bigger commitment.
Also, when considering any breed to keep in a new or existing aquarium, there are
certain things a responsible hobbyist should contemplate before a purchase.
Here are some of the basics in regards to freshwater angels. Angelfish are omnivores,
they will eat tiny fish and other live foods, as well as flake foods. Diet is not a problem, as
they are not picky eaters. They like moderate temperatures in the high 70’s or low 80’s
degrees F. You will need a heater in your aquarium. This might be a little warmer than
other breeds’ preference, but it is not extreme.
Live plants are desirable in angel tanks, although not required. I am a big fan of live
plants, because I think they benefit the fish both by improving their water and by making
them feel at home. Amazon sword plants are a good example of a hardy plant that will co-
exist nicely with your angel fish.
As far as water parameters, most references I consulted recommend a slightly lower
than neutral pH, around 6.5. PH is a measure of the water’s acidity, with 7.0 being
neutral. Regarding hardness, a measure of minerals such as calcium and magnesium
dissolved in the water, angels like somewhat soft water. Most recommendations are
about 5 dH.
The parameters mentioned above are in keeping with the black waters of the Amazon,
where angelfish are found in the wild. However, keep in mind that most freshwater
angels you see in pet stores are captive-bred, and will tolerate a wider range of water
conditions than their wild-caught cousins. But the quality of the water conditions are very
important for angels.
Expert breeder Ray Wetzel, who has been keeping and breeding freshwater angelfish for
over 40 years, said: “There are three things which I’d emphasize especially in keeping
these fish, and they are: Change water, change water and change water. If the aquarist
has the opportunity to do so, he or she should change out as much water (at least
weekly) as they can.”
All aquarium fish benefit from frequent water changes. Clean, fresh water is the best gift
you can give your fish. Many hobbyists agonize over water parameters such as pH and
hardness, and have complicated procedures or recipes of chemicals to adjust these
water conditions to change them into exactly what they think their fish want.
Walk down the aisle in your fish store and you will certainly see loads of products for
adjusting your tap water. I am of the school of thought that most of our aquarium fish
benefit more from fresh, clean water than exacting chemical standards. Most fish in the
hobby are strong and will adapt to your water, assuming it is consistent. One of the worst
things you can do is manipulate the water only some of the time, and forget or get lazy
other times. It’s better to let your fish adapt to your tap water (with a basic declorinator)
than to keep struggling to adjust pH, hardness or whatever because some book said that’
s what they like.
When it comes to breeding these fish, they are much more of a challenge than the
livebearers I wrote about last month. Unlike most livebearers, male and female angels
are difficult to tell apart. Those interested in breeding these fish usually set up a tank with
a group of six or more young fish and let them find mates naturally. Angelfish are egg-
layers. The female will lay the eggs on a vertical surface, such as a big plant leaf, and the
male will fertilize them.
Getting them to hatch successfully is tricky. I confess I have seen eggs numerous times
in my tank, but have yet to have them hatch. Assuming that both mates are sexually
mature enough to produce viable contributions, water quality might be to blame. Many
fish can exist comfortable in water chemistry that will not support their spawning efforts.
That is to say that your fish may be living and healthy in a certain ph or hardness level, or
with infrequent water changes, but their eggs may not thrive in it. I know I sound like I’m
contradicting what I just wrote about not artificially manipulating water parameters! But
breeding fish successfully does require more exacting standards. So those hobbyists
interested in breeding their fish may have more work to keep their tank at exactly the right
parameters to achieve success.
In fact, all the considerations raised above — food, temperature, ph and other water
parameters — become more critical when the objective is to breed your fish. Successful
spawning, hatching of eggs and growth of the fry requires much more care and effort on
your part than simply housing fish successfully.
One way around this dilemma is to remove the eggs from the tank that houses the
parents. Then you can hatch the eggs and grow the fry in a small, bare tank whose water
you monitor meticulously and change very frequently.
This method resolves another issue too. Angels who are spawning or guarding their
eggs can become aggressive to their tank-mates. Removing the eggs to hatch
elsewhere eliminates this concern.
While most beginning hobbyists are immediately attracted to angelfish, they are not a
good choice for your first tank. But they are not the most difficult species to keep either.
With a little bit of experience under your belt, you can successfully raise and even breed
these beautiful, elegant fish. If you think you are ready, give them a try. Watching their
gracefulness in your aquarium is sure to bring you years of relaxation and pleasure.
First published May 2007 in The Animal Companion.
Angelfish are arguably the most
regal and most recognizable of all
freshwater fishes. Their slim bodies
and flowing fins give them the
appearance of gliding through the
water, but don’t let their
elegance fool you. These are feisty
fish! Angelfish (scientific name
Pterophyllum scalare) are part of the
cichlid family, and as such are not to
be pushed around.
On the other hand, for cichlids,
Angels are relatively peaceful. They
can be acceptable tank-mates for
other fish, as long as those fish are
too big for the angels to eat and are
not inclined to nip at their flowing
tails. Angels are mid-level swimmers, which means that they like the middle of the tank,
so they could possibly cohabitate with bottom-dwellers like catfish.
Angelfish are currently being bred in an array of beautiful color variations, including
marbled, pearl-scale (shiny, iridescent look), and koi, which mimics the colors of the koi
often seen in ponds. There are also variations in finage, such as the long, flowing veiltail.
All these varieties are stunning. Since both the upper and lower angels’ fins grow so tall
and long, they need a sizable aquarium, especially one with plenty of height.
Most experts recommend a tank of at least 20 gallons. I have my angelfish in a 30-gallon
high aquarium. This tank is taller than the regular 30-gallon, thus ideal for angels. When I
clean the gravel in this tank, I’m up to my armpits in water! This aquarium is the focal
point of my living-room, and it looks great. The six fish have plenty of space for their fins to
grow long, but as they mature their bodies are upwards of four or five inches tall not
including the fins. So the tank is at capacity. As much as I’m tempted to add something, I
probably should not. With any tank plan, less is more.
When aquarists are browsing in their local fish store or admiring fish for sale at their
local club, there are many species that are lovely and tempting. Angels are certainly high
on the list of fish that you may buy impulsively. Beware! Angelfish are not usually
considered a good choice for a beginning hobbyist. One reason is that they require a
larger aquarium than most beginners want to buy. These fish are bigger and more
delicate than the common beginner fish, such as the livebearers I wrote about last month.
The angels also live much longer — some estimate 8 to 10 years — so they represent a
bigger commitment.
Also, when considering any breed to keep in a new or existing aquarium, there are
certain things a responsible hobbyist should contemplate before a purchase.
Here are some of the basics in regards to freshwater angels. Angelfish are omnivores,
they will eat tiny fish and other live foods, as well as flake foods. Diet is not a problem, as
they are not picky eaters. They like moderate temperatures in the high 70’s or low 80’s
degrees F. You will need a heater in your aquarium. This might be a little warmer than
other breeds’ preference, but it is not extreme.
Live plants are desirable in angel tanks, although not required. I am a big fan of live
plants, because I think they benefit the fish both by improving their water and by making
them feel at home. Amazon sword plants are a good example of a hardy plant that will co-
exist nicely with your angel fish.
As far as water parameters, most references I consulted recommend a slightly lower
than neutral pH, around 6.5. PH is a measure of the water’s acidity, with 7.0 being
neutral. Regarding hardness, a measure of minerals such as calcium and magnesium
dissolved in the water, angels like somewhat soft water. Most recommendations are
about 5 dH.
The parameters mentioned above are in keeping with the black waters of the Amazon,
where angelfish are found in the wild. However, keep in mind that most freshwater
angels you see in pet stores are captive-bred, and will tolerate a wider range of water
conditions than their wild-caught cousins. But the quality of the water conditions are very
important for angels.
Expert breeder Ray Wetzel, who has been keeping and breeding freshwater angelfish for
over 40 years, said: “There are three things which I’d emphasize especially in keeping
these fish, and they are: Change water, change water and change water. If the aquarist
has the opportunity to do so, he or she should change out as much water (at least
weekly) as they can.”
All aquarium fish benefit from frequent water changes. Clean, fresh water is the best gift
you can give your fish. Many hobbyists agonize over water parameters such as pH and
hardness, and have complicated procedures or recipes of chemicals to adjust these
water conditions to change them into exactly what they think their fish want.
Walk down the aisle in your fish store and you will certainly see loads of products for
adjusting your tap water. I am of the school of thought that most of our aquarium fish
benefit more from fresh, clean water than exacting chemical standards. Most fish in the
hobby are strong and will adapt to your water, assuming it is consistent. One of the worst
things you can do is manipulate the water only some of the time, and forget or get lazy
other times. It’s better to let your fish adapt to your tap water (with a basic declorinator)
than to keep struggling to adjust pH, hardness or whatever because some book said that’
s what they like.
When it comes to breeding these fish, they are much more of a challenge than the
livebearers I wrote about last month. Unlike most livebearers, male and female angels
are difficult to tell apart. Those interested in breeding these fish usually set up a tank with
a group of six or more young fish and let them find mates naturally. Angelfish are egg-
layers. The female will lay the eggs on a vertical surface, such as a big plant leaf, and the
male will fertilize them.
Getting them to hatch successfully is tricky. I confess I have seen eggs numerous times
in my tank, but have yet to have them hatch. Assuming that both mates are sexually
mature enough to produce viable contributions, water quality might be to blame. Many
fish can exist comfortable in water chemistry that will not support their spawning efforts.
That is to say that your fish may be living and healthy in a certain ph or hardness level, or
with infrequent water changes, but their eggs may not thrive in it. I know I sound like I’m
contradicting what I just wrote about not artificially manipulating water parameters! But
breeding fish successfully does require more exacting standards. So those hobbyists
interested in breeding their fish may have more work to keep their tank at exactly the right
parameters to achieve success.
In fact, all the considerations raised above — food, temperature, ph and other water
parameters — become more critical when the objective is to breed your fish. Successful
spawning, hatching of eggs and growth of the fry requires much more care and effort on
your part than simply housing fish successfully.
One way around this dilemma is to remove the eggs from the tank that houses the
parents. Then you can hatch the eggs and grow the fry in a small, bare tank whose water
you monitor meticulously and change very frequently.
This method resolves another issue too. Angels who are spawning or guarding their
eggs can become aggressive to their tank-mates. Removing the eggs to hatch
elsewhere eliminates this concern.
While most beginning hobbyists are immediately attracted to angelfish, they are not a
good choice for your first tank. But they are not the most difficult species to keep either.
With a little bit of experience under your belt, you can successfully raise and even breed
these beautiful, elegant fish. If you think you are ready, give them a try. Watching their
gracefulness in your aquarium is sure to bring you years of relaxation and pleasure.
First published May 2007 in The Animal Companion.
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