Freshwater angelfish (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Although apparently, angelfish may appear to be very peaceful and gentle, it is a fact that they can sometimes be quite aggressive as well. Moreover, they also have this tendency to eat smaller fish species present in the tank!
Angelfish are a part of the Cichlid family. They are available in a number of varieties and colors. But being an owner of angelfish you should keep this in mind that they can be a little fragile as well when they are young. But once grown up they are generally hardy. Moreover, it is always good to keep them in groups of six or eight. If you keep two or three only there is a possibility that the bigger ones will bully the little ones. But if they are in a bigger group they tend to behave well.
If you wish to add angelfish to your aquarium fish collection, you will require a big fish tank for it. The best option is 29 gallons or a larger one and if you have a great number of these fish then a much bigger fish tank is advisable. Moreover, ensure that your gravel is at least 1/4" thick. Apart from that you also need to maintain your tank temperature between 70 and 82°F. Another thing that you need to ensure is that your fish tanks are around 24 inches deep. It is essential for the health of your angelfish. They will grow large in deep water and can even grow up to 12 inches.
It is relatively easy to feed angelfish. There is no need to arrange any special food for them. If you give them flakes, it will be enough. The flakes are easily available in any pet store. However, for adding some variety you can also provide some blood worms. It is true that the angelfish are a little aggressive but there are a lot of fish species available who can comfortably live with your angelfish. For example, big Tetras and Silver Dollar live very well with angelfish. Apart from that, you can also select Swordtails Mollies and Platies as well. But do not put Guppies in the same tank as your Angelfish because sometimes the angelfish can eat them. Some other fish that can be kept with angelfish in the aquarium are Gouramis and Clown Loaches and even Bala Sharks.
Angelfish are not very difficult to take care of and they are generally hardy. But sometimes they can fall victim to some other aggressive fish that attack them and injure at their fins. Moreover, your angelfish can also become affected by a common aquarium disease named hole in the head disease. This disease comes in the form of a wound on the head of the fish and this can lead to the death of the fish.
So, if you take proper care of your beautiful angelfish and are careful enough not to put too many fish in your aquarium, you will see that your angelfish live healthy for a long time. But ensure that you regularly care for them and maintain proper fish tank environment. If you do so your angelfish will then definitely live for 10 years!
Chintamani Abhyankar is an angelfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding angelfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy angelfish the natural way. Article Source: EzineArticles |
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