Angel Fish

The Latin name Pterophyllum is a small freshwater fish from the Cichlidae family. It is native to the Amazon River basin of South America. This species hunts by hiding among roots and plants in water. They feed on small fish, shellfish and insect larvae. Their natural habitat is calm rivers, slow-flowing water and vegetated areas.

Physical Characteristics and Behavior of Angel Fish

They have flat body structures. They have remarkably colorful bodies, long fins and aesthetic appearance. This species is a prominent species especially for aquarium hobbyists. It is a calm species except for breeding periods. For this reason, they can live for many years in a healthy and peaceful way when provided with the appropriate aquarium environment and friends. During the breeding period, they may exhibit a more aggressive attitude because they like to have their own space.

Tips on Caring for Angelfish in the Aquarium

Aquariums with an aquarium capacity of at least 100 liters are recommended. Since they have long fins, upright aquariums should be preferred. Planting is recommended as it will evoke the feeling of hunting as in their natural habitat. If you plan to keep angelfish in an aquarium, you should pay attention to water quality. A water temperature of 24-28 degrees C and a pH level of 6.5-7.5 is recommended. Regular water changes and filtration are essential to maintain the health of angelfish.

Check out our guide below for other fish species you can keep alongside angelfish;

Aquarium Companions Suitable for Angel Fish;

– Neon tetra, cardinal tetra

– Discus fish

– Molly, plati, swordtail

– Scavenger fish(Corydoras)

– Loach species (Zebra loach etc.)

Not Recommended Aquarium Companions;

– Aggressive cichlids (Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Green Terror)

– Fin biting species (Tiger barb etc.) – Very small tetra species (Angelfish can eat small fish due to their predatory instincts)

The Best Feeds for Angel Fish

Since these species are both carnivorous and herbivorous, attention should be paid to feed diversity to create a balanced diet. Recommended feeds are high quality flake or granular feeds, live or frozen artemia, water fleas and bloodworms, herbal feeds containing spirulina. They should be fed 2 or 3 times a day with small meals.

How Angel Fish Reproduce?

These fish species are very loyal and selective to their mates. They can lay their eggs on large leaves, on the aquarium glass, or on stones or pieces underwater. The fry start swimming 3-4 days after they are born and start feeding on artemia.

Why Do Angel Fish Die?

There may be many reasons for this. The most common reasons are;

• Inappropriate aquarium water. Sudden changes in water temperature, too acidic or alkaline water, insufficient oxygen and infrequent water changes. As these fish are very sensitive, these changes in the water can affect their lives.
• Overfeeding, improper and inadequate nutrition is another cause. A balanced diet should be offered, not a single type of feeding.
• As they are sensitive fish, they are prone to diseases. They can have fungal and bacterial infections, as well as problems with their swim bladders and gills. If small white spots appear on their gills or if they swim unsteadily, sink to the bottom or fail to surface, you may think there is a problem. In this case, you can separate the fish that show signs of illness and start medication with veterinary advice.

Unsuitable tank mates, frequent aquarium changes and overcrowded or cramped aquariums are another cause.

Frequently Asked Questions About Angel Fish

1. Can angelfish live alone?
   Yes, but as they are a social species, it is recommended to keep them in pairs or small groups.
2. Which feeds do angel fish like?
   Angel fish like protein-based foods such as flake feed, granular feed, live artemia and bloodworms.
3. Are angelfish aggressive?
   They are generally a peaceful species, but they defend their territory and can become aggressive during the breeding period.
4. How many years do angelfish live?
   Given the right care conditions, they can live between 8-12 years.
5. How do angelfish reproduce and what should be considered?Angelfish breed by mating and lay their eggs on flat surfaces. For breeding it is important to prepare a separate breeding tank and optimize the water conditions. After spawning, the parents protect the eggs, but care must be taken as in some cases they may eat the eggs.
6. What to do if the fish are sick?Sick fish should definitely be taken to a different aquarium and their treatment should be started by getting expert opinions. They should not be kept in a very crowded aquarium. Their water should be changed frequently and suitable conditions should be provided. They should be fed a healthy and balanced diet. New fish should be kept under quarantine for at least 2 weeks.