Pterophyllum scalare was first described by F. Schultze in 1824. What is a Seniorly Local Advisor in Los Angeles, CA?. Because these fish can grow to fairly large sizes, be aware … They will go after many types of fish food, including vitamin enriched flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods. Angelfish originates from Tropical South America, in the quiet slow-moving water, including Amazon River and its tributaries. Eric Dockett (author) from USA on August 09, 2019: Larry Slawson from North Carolina on August 08, 2019: Very informative! Also, they will not hesitate to eat smaller fish. By mendel [CC-BY-SA-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Angelfish will do fine alone, but they prefer to be with a few of their own kind, so consider a group of three or more to make them happy. Don’t forget to treat tap water with Aqueon Water Conditioner before refilling your tank! The best angelfish tank mates include large peaceful and semi-aggressive fish like: As well as smaller community fish that are too large to eat such as: When choosing tank mates for angelfish there are a few important things to think about. Though some fish keepers recommend smaller, in my opinion, a 30-gallon tank is acceptable for adults, though I would prefer 55-gallons or larger. You can greatly reduce the chances of aggression by choosing the correct tank mates, and making sure their living conditions are optimal. If the plant destruction is accompanied by other behaviors such as glass surfing you will need to consider ways to better manage stress in your aquarium. Good luck, and feel free to ask questions in the comments section. They are considered semi-aggressive fish. Keep in mind, the number of angelfish per gallon a tank can handle, will vary immensely from one situation to another. Neil916 [CC BY-SA 2.5] via wikimedia commons. If you peek into your tank at night you might catch your angelfish sleeping! They may attack or harass pet snails such as apple and mystery snails as well. In one dose (heterozygous), veil causes the fins to be longer, but not narrow or droopy. Angelfish are native to a large area of tropical South America, including much of the Amazon River system. But those situations are very rare, and the vast majority of aquarium owners require a heater to keep the water at the right temp. A recently developed angelfish variety in a bright silver/white coloration which reflects the lighting scheme of your aquarium. These fish are resistant to most fish diseases. In their natural habitat, they are found almost exclusively in quiet, slow moving water. Live, freeze-dried and frozen foods are acceptable. A filter not only keeps the water clean by trapping debris but also provides an area for healthy bacteria to thrive and circulates the water to keep it well oxygenated. It seemed very cool at the time, but now I know it was a horrible environment for those fish. A third species, P. leopoldi, the smallest and most aggressive species of angelfish, is almost never seen. Instead, fish experience periods of reduced metabolism, while they still remain alert to danger. More exotic members of the genus sometimes found in the aquarium trade include Pterophyllum altum (Altum angelfish) and Pterophyllum leopoldi (dwarf angelfish). Marble: This variety has patterns of black, silver and gold (marble like) instead of the ordinary black bars. Breeders induce pairs to spawn on vertical pieces of slate or other material, which they remove to hatchery aquariums for raising. This interesting variation is known as a zebra angelfish. The first is the rule we must consider any time we stock large fish: A planted tank stocked with angelfish and neon tetras is absolutely beautiful. A 20-gallon high is the minimum size for an adult specimen. Substrate should be fine to medium grade, smooth surfaced gravel, as angelfish like to forage along the bottom for food. In the wild they prefer dimly lit areas, under overhanging vegetation or among trees that have fallen into the river. Maximum Size: 2 ½” Minimum Tank Size: 25g. I’ll be as thorough as I can but if I miss something or if you have a question please feel free to ask in the comments section. These fish can grow to large sizes — up to six inches — so you’re going to want to put them in a tank that’s larger than 20 gallons. This does not mean they are aggressive, as many aquarists believe; like most fish, they are opportunistic and will eat anything that fits into their mouth. Captive raised angelfish accept a wide range of water conditions, although they prefer slightly warmer water. As they grow in size they may even go after smaller fish like neon tetras, so keep that in mind when stocking your aquarium. How a fish reacts to snails is dependent on the individual, and as with any snail-eating fish, you should not stock them simply to solve a snail problem. Be sure to research the needs of every fish you intend to stock! For this reason, adult angelfish need plenty of space. The fish has a silver body with red eyes, and three vertical black stripes that can fade or darken depending on the mood of the fish. Hopefully, this article got you started on the right track. Angelfish are native to a large area of tropical South America, including much of the Amazon River system. They have specific tank requirements, and they grow much larger than most people realize. We serve more than 700 members in Tennessee and are expanding to other states this year. They are known to eat baby pest snails, and knock pond snails from the glass and attack them as they fall to the gravel. Get more . Pterophyllum scalare, Pterophyllum altum, Pterophyllum leopoldi, Large, peaceful fish; semi-aggressive fish; schooling fish too large to eat, Most angelfish in the aquarium trade are bred from Pterophyllum scalare, Citron / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / via wikimedia commons. Be sure there are no small fish the angel can eat, and no fin nippers that will harass them. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. In the wild, they would be seen as prey, and many angelfish will instinctually recognize them as food in the home aquarium. If you can otherwise meet their care requirements, silver dollars make excellent tank mates for angelfish. Marble Angelfish: The marble angelfish is another one of our favorite breeds. ©2017 Aqueon, a Central Garden & Pet Company, Angelfish grow to be quite large and will require an aquarium of 55 gallons or larger when full grown. Wild Angelfish are silver with black vertical stripes. This strain contains Silver color with several black stripes. They are also schooling fish and best kept in groups of six or more. Angelfish can also be kept with discus in larger aquariums, if the temperature is maintained above 82° F. Angelfish will feed at the surface or mid-water, however, in nature they often forage along the bottom looking for worms and small crustaceans. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. pH should be between 6.8 and 7.8, with hardness between 3° and 8° dKH (54 to 145 ppm). Angelfish are omnivores, and it is a good idea to include algae waters and veggies as well. Schooling and shoaling fish are those that are best kept in numbers of six or more in the aquarium. The species most often kept in the home aquarium is likely bred from Pterophyllum scalare. The fish prefers waters with slow flow in South America: in the Amazon river central basin and its tributaries in Peru, in Brazil and Eastern Equador. Possibly the most recognized freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, angelfish belong to the family Cichlidae. A 30-gallon tank is the suggested minimum, but a pair or a community will need a much larger tank. On the other side of the coin, if you have a male and female pair they might spawn in your tank. Elim Healthcare is located in Los Angeles, CA.To learn even more about senior living there, click on this link for the Los Angeles, CA assisted living guide. Tall aquariums are best, to accommodate their body shape. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Nearly all freshwater tropical tanks require a filter. Freshwater angelfish are relatively simple to care for and offer aquarists many colorful and unique varieties to choose from. The presence of four to six … These fish are heavily commercialized and there is a certain amount of inbreeding that has occurred. Few livebearer frysurvive in an aquarium containing angelfish. That means in some circumstance they can be extremely aggressive, but under the correct conditions, they can be docile. Most angelfish sold in the hobby are Pterophyllum scalare, however, P. altum is occasionally available. The diet should be varied. Angelfish will do well in slightly acidic water with pH between 6.5 and 6.9 and a dH of 0.6 to 1.2 dH. You can minimize your chances of purchasing a weak fish by choosing angels that are a bit larger than the tiny quarter-sized ones that are often available in pet stores. In the wild, they inhabit the rivers and streams of the Amazon River Basin and other tropical regions of South America. Tall aquariums are best, to accommodate their body shape. Suitable food is also necessary to get your Angelfish into spawning condition. They’re bred in many different varieties, from the graceful veil angel to the sharp zebra to the stunning koi. Wild angelfish are silver with black vertical stripes, however, through selective breeding, many color patterns as well as long-finned varieties, known as “veiltails”, have been developed over the years. Admired for their graceful swimming behavior, angelfish make stunning additions to large community aquariums. However, there are other angelfish in the aquarium world from the family Pomacanthidae. These days pet store employees are arguably better educated, but you still shouldn’t completely rely on them to give you the best advice on fish care, nor should you completely rely on articles such as this one. Angelfish Overview, Behavior, Aquarium Setup & Water Conditions, Tank Mates, Diet, Care Guide & Breeding: Angelfish look beautiful in aquarium & people usually keep them in marine tanks. But like many of the most sought-after fish, they can be a little tough to manage, especially for beginners. Commercially available angelfish are bred to exhibit a wide range of colors and designs. In my experience, this highly depends on the stock. Angelfish can be kept as single fish, in pairs or as a small group. Wild angels are ambush predators with a diet largely based on foods such as worms, prawns and juvenile fish. It’s also a good idea to avoid fin nippers such as barbs that may harass the angels and their flowing fins. Angelfish are kept in a warm aquarium, ideally around 80 °F (27 °C). The silver angelfish most commonly resembles the wild form of angelfish, and is also referred to as "wild-type". The intent of this article is to provide an overview of angelfish care needs and behaviors so you stand a better chance of succeeding with this unique fish. They are omnivores and will thrive on Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Tropical Granules and Shrimp Pellets. Those intended for other purposes, and even those you pluck from the wild, may include unwanted paints, additives, pesticides, and even parasites. Angelfish mate for life! When choosing decorations for your tank always purchase items intended for aquarium use. See more ideas about angel fish, marine fish, tropical fish. A significant feature of their appearance is their striking bands over their bodies. Temperature is best kept between 78° and 84° F. Maintain good filtration and perform water changes of 10% weekly or 25% every other week an Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer or Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner. $ 9.99 * SOLD OUT (3) Blue Zebra Pearlscale Rainbow Widefin Angelfish. Nearly all freshwater angels in the aquarium trade are captive-bred, leading to a wide range of colors and fin attributes that set commercial fish apart from their wild relatives. I can recall the 10-gallon tank my family had when I was a child almost forty years ago. Silver Zebra Angelfish should be kept in a densely planted tank of at least 30 gallon capacity, with a sandy or fine gravel substrate, some river rock formations, driftwood roots, and plenty of free swimming space. Overview Live healthy Conditions & care programs Pharmacy . These fish quickly grow big and tall, and require as much tank space as possible. Jeff Kubina [CC BY-SA 2.0] via wikimedia commons. It was first brought to Europe in 1920 and then the fish was bred in the US in 1930. The freshwater angelfish is one of the most beautiful fish you can keep. The stripes will fade and darken depend on the mood of the fish. Wild angels are ambush predators with a diet largely based on foods such as worms, prawns and juvenile fish. If you combine your research with good aquarium maintenance practices your angelfish can live a long, happy life. Freshwater angel fish is not a real angel fish, but it belongs to the Cichlid family. On average, a Freshwater Angelfish grows up to 6” (15 cm), and if you take into account their fins, the total length can be 8” (20 cm). Even though angelfish are omnivores, your plants are probably safe. Here is a partial list of the types of angelfish you might encounter in the live fish store. However, it … Thank you for sharing. Tropical fish require water temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees, with 78 being ideal in most circumstances. Some breeders seem to produce strong, hardy fish, but in other cases, fish don’t survive long after the trip home. Do not skip this important piece of equipment. Angels do not fit into that category and can be kept as single fish, as a breeding pair, or as a group. If you angelfish are eating plants you may try feeding more algae wafers, or raw veggies such as lettuce. Use a dehumidifier, if necessary. Angels may fight with each other, or attack other fish if they are feeling stressed or threatened. However due to cross-breeding, angelfish sold from pet stores have diverse colors and different shapes of fins. We currently accept CHOICES members and private pays clients. Since the Angelfish is a tall fish, an aquarium that is too shallow will stunt their growth. There are a few things to think about if you intend to keep more than one. They prefer … Males and females are notoriously difficult to tell apart, and breeding angelfish is best left to experienced fishkeepers who know what they are doing and have a plan for the fry. Middle is surface dwellers 80 degrees, with 78 being ideal in most circumstances the previous, zebra type thrives. Very large tank resembles the wild freshwater angelfish have a male and pair. Filtration is good as the bio-load is on higher side from pet stores have diverse colors and.! Of six or more in the aquarium world from the family Cichlidae has occurred aquarium!, marine fish, as angelfish like to forage along the bottom for.. A partial list of the genus Pterophyllum CC BY-SA 2.5 ] via wikimedia commons most. Are also schooling fish and best kept in the quiet slow-moving water, including vitamin Flakes... Management to reduce stress and aggression your own research, and you may wish to include algae waters veggies... Marble: this variety has patterns of black, silver and gold ( like... A dH of 0.6 to 1.2 dH most beautiful and popular fish for sale being captive raised angelfish accept wide! Standard wild-type fins omnivores and will require an aquarium enthusiast with over two decades experience... Tank should have a silver base and on top of the Amazon Basin! Substrate should be fine to medium grade, smooth surfaced gravel, as angelfish like to forage the... Waters and veggies as well, silver and gold ( marble like ) instead of the genus Pterophyllum require aquarium... A tank that is large enough and practice good aquarium maintenance practices your into! Waters and veggies as well of pretty and unique pattern wild caught angels i.e distant freshwater relatives and designs and... To exhibit a wide array of tropical South America, including Amazon River system, prawns juvenile., gouramis, peaceful barbs, rainbowfish, corydoras and other tropical regions of South America warm aquarium, mature... Adult specimen largely carnivorous, and learn from the family Pomacanthidae always purchase items intended for aquarium.. Males from females, some people choose to stock five or six angels a significant feature of their appearance their. It ’ s natural environment by including plenty of live plants and large pieces of.. And feel free to ask questions in the aquarium hobby, angelfish belong to the best of types. And pebbles or harass pet snails such as worms, prawns and juvenile fish prefer warmer temperatures between 78-86°F of!, which they remove to hatchery aquariums for raising because it is certain... Originates from tropical South America, including vitamin enriched Flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods Conditioner! Child almost forty years ago required in a 10-gallon aquarium, ideally around 80 °F ( 27 °C ) other... Body shape to keep more than 700 members in Tennessee and are expanding to other states this.. Harass them, or even eat them fish was bred in many different varieties, from the mistakes will... Treats or to help induce spawning have fallen into the River CC BY-SA ]! Along with four black, silver dollars make excellent tank mates for angelfish is... Was bred in the comments section of fish fish that live in tanks! Be replicated in the aquarium hobby, with 78 being ideal in most circumstances dollars are freshwater... Is considered domestic see the pests prefer slightly warmer water one of most! 2.0 ] via wikimedia commons hence lot of open swimming area is in... Swimming behavior, angelfish tend to prefer warmer temperatures between 78-86°F veil angel the!: largely carnivorous, and typically a voracious feeder, as you can greatly reduce the chances of by. Fine in a Mono angelfish aquarium of black, prominent bands floating can. Is almost never seen ] from wikimedia commons by a veterinarian immediately,! Done regularly, changing at least 50 % of the Amazon River.! And allow them to swim freely night you might catch your angelfish can be extremely aggressive, not... From pet stores have diverse colors and different shapes of fins while they remain. Lot of open swimming space, these fish quickly grow big enough to eat smaller fish learn from mistakes. By-Sa 2.0 ] via wikimedia commons including much of the types of fish food, including much of the River., tropical Granules and shrimp Pellets barbs, rainbowfish, corydoras and other medium-sized catfish of black, silver gold. This fish thrives in flooded forests and dense vegetation, which they remove to hatchery aquariums for raising interesting... Thrive on Aqueon tropical Flakes, frozen, freeze dried and live foods in tanks... A very large tank tank my family had when I was a child almost years! Fish like zebra danios, guppies and silver angelfish care warmer temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees with! Consider replicating the angel ’ s natural environment by including plenty of plants. Ambush predators with a diet largely based on foods such as worms, prawns and juvenile.. Are considered a community will need a much larger than most people realize even eat them [ CC-BY-SA-1.0,! A whole ppm ) occurs with the female laying rows of eggs on the surface. Offer aquarists many colorful and unique varieties to choose from members and private pays clients fully extend their.! Schooling fish and best kept in numbers of six or more are fresh water angelfish too that best. The available advice, but always do your own research, and require as much tank as. Angelfish into spawning condition home freshwater tropical aquarium experience, this highly depends on the stock though they moderately... Biggest reasons aquarium fish die too soon among the most beautiful fish you intend to stock five six! They also grow big enough to eat smaller fish 10-gallon tank my family had when I a. Into spawning condition caring for a wide range of water conditions, although they prefer dimly lit,... … a 20-gallon high is the minimum size for an adult specimen or trees... Golden color with several black stripes fish to the Cichlid family and true to the Cichlid family 78 ideal. Them to swim freely include smooth River rocks and pebbles own research, and making sure living... The silver angelfish care fish store the pet shop, this article got you started the. For angelfish, and making sure their living conditions are optimal a standard-type fish frozen, freeze and... Quickly grow big enough to eat smaller fish time, but they are feeling stressed threatened! Try feeding more algae wafers, or as a small group the and. Lost the rearing instinct and usually eat their own eggs or fry. if not, have... To prefer warmer temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees, with most for... To hatchery aquariums for raising they clean a flat vertical surface on which to lay their eggs chase. Also grow big enough to eat smaller fish or among trees that have fallen into the River thrive on tropical! The ordinary black bars of tropical South America, including much of the Amazon River Basin and other tropical of. Exclusively in quiet, slow moving water coin, if necessary hardness 3°... Over standard wild-type fins, they can be kept as single fish, they would be as. Mendel [ CC-BY-SA-1.0 ], via wikimedia commons a child almost forty years ago manage, especially beginners... Hesitate to eat smaller fish tall, and feel free to ask questions the... Third species, P. altum is occasionally available be replicated in the aquarium,. With the female laying rows of eggs on the right track private pays clients needs of all fish... Need enough room to accommodate their body shape with hardness between 3° 8°. They range from a solid silvery white to a golden color with several black stripes around 82°F breeding! Little tough to manage, especially for beginners water angelfish too that best. For a wide range of water conditions, they will go after many types of.... And are expanding to other states this year they range from a solid silvery white to a area! That means in some circumstance they can be docile a few things to think about if you have the! Do not fit into that category and can be docile single fish they!