Angelfish are one of the most spectacular fish species that you can get for your home aquarium. These gorgeous cichlids have an elegant appearance because of their distinctive triangular bodies. However, their large size can present some challenges for owners. They’re suitable for new fishkeepers who are willing to understand their sometimes-temperamental personalities.
Keeping angelfish is a very rewarding experience because they’re fascinating creatures with an incredible aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll analyze everything you need to know about caring for these amazing fish.
1. Angelfish Are a Freshwater Species
Angelfish hail from the rivers of South America and are a freshwater species. This means that owners must take care to replicate their natural environment. These swimmers prefer warmer water because of their tropical origins.
We recommend 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for your angelfish. Avoid using tap water because it usually contains chlorine, which can burn fish. The pH levels should be between 6.8 and 7.8. You may need to install a heater to maintain a consistent temperature, especially if you’re from a colder location.
Angelfish have a reputation for being hardy, but like all aquatic pets, they’re very sensitive to radical environmental changes. Don’t forget to regularly check their water parameters to prevent the tank from crashing!
2. Angelfish Are Very Tall
Angelfish are taller compared to other fish (such as eel-like loaches), and they need a tank to accommodate their unique size. After all, they can reach six inches tall and three inches long. We advise a minimum 20-gallon tank for your angelfish, so it can swim comfortably. A taller tank is better because this will be more suitable for its bodily proportions. You should add at least an extra 10 gallons per additional angelfish, but bigger is better. Fifty-five gallons is ideal for three or four of these beautiful marine creatures. Remember: the size of the tank will also affect your angelfish’s temperament. A smaller tank is likely to result in fish bullying and aggression.
3. Angelfish Eat a Mixed Diet
Angelfish are primarily carnivorous in the wild. However, in captivity, they can thrive on a more diverse diet packed with essential nutrients. What’s more, they’ll feed in different parts of the tank. They will scavenge along the base, like bottom dwellers. However, they’ll also eat food that is floating close to the aquarium’s surface and anywhere in between. Feed your angelfish with quality formulated flakes.
You can also give them live food like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans. These add a nutrient boost, and they’ll also stimulate your angelfish’s predatory instincts. Don’t give them more food than they’ll eat in two or three minutes; the decomposing food could cause a cloudy fish tank!
4. Angelfish Come in Many Colors
Many hobbyists choose their pets because of their aesthetic. They want striking, colorful fish species that add vibrancy to their tanks. Angelfish are a great option because there are so many mutations like blue, golden, black marble, and many others.
Technically, there are three main varieties of freshwater angelfish. They include:
- P.scalare, the most common and hardiest species
- P. altum, rarer but very popular with experienced hobbyists (it’s the biggest species; they can reach 18 inches in height!)
- P. leopoldi, the smallest variety and the least popular
You can keep multiple angelfish of different varieties in the same aquarium, and provided they have ample space, they should be fine.
5. Angelfish Are Sensitive to Health Issues
Angelfish can tolerate slight changes in water parameters, but in unstable conditions, they can develop certain diseases and health conditions. Consider the following:
- Hexamita is a notorious parasite that can cause serious weight loss in fish and skin decay.
- Columnaris is another parasite that can threaten fishes’ health. This is where bacteria eat away the fish’s mouth and fins.
- Fin rot is another very common marine health condition that affects angelfish.
- Some angelfish suffer from dropsy, with swollen and protruding eyes being the main symptom.
One of the most notorious tank diseases is ich, also known as white spot disease. Here, a parasite infects a fish and causes tiny white spots across its body. It’s very contagious and can wreak havoc in a tank. It’s essential to quarantine new fish to drastically reduce the risk of bringing harmful bacteria and parasites into the tank. Meanwhile, caring for your fish properly will also massively lower the chances of your fish suffering from health problems. Just do a little bit every day, so you won’t have big problems in the future!
6. Angelfish Can Be Fickle Tankmates
Mixed tanks are wonderful because it’s lovely to see different varieties of fish living their lives together in harmony. However, everything can go wrong very quickly if you don’t provide the right conditions. Angelfish are a relatively mellow species if they have enough space. However, they may prey on nanofish and small crustaceans. Plecos are a great option because they’re relatively large and won’t bother your angelfish. Some tetras are also good tankmates. However, be careful mixing your angelfish with faster species that can nip their fins or steal their food!
7. Angelfish Are Territorial
There’s nothing wrong with keeping a single angelfish because they’re not the most sociable species. Sometimes keeping several angelfish can cause unexpected problems. We advise having more females than males. With an unbalanced ratio, the male fish will attack each other in competition for the females’ attention.
Ensure the tank is big enough and that there are plenty of plants for them to hide among. Even fish need some space now and again!
