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Angelfish, Pterophyllum Scalare, are members of the family Cichlidae. This family is known in laymen’s terms as cichlids. They originate from the Amazon River. Cichlids have become ever more popular with aquarium owners since they started being exported by the aquarium trade after the conclusion of WWII. Angelfish are inarguably among the most popular and easily recognizable freshwater species on the planet. Their distinctive triangular profile makes them one of the most exotic looking freshwater species available today. The selective breeding of these creatures has dramatically increased the assortment of angelfish on the open market. They come in an array of colors, from solid black, gold, white, and silver to striped, marbled and Koi. Their abundance keeps their price exceptionally reasonable. They are a resilient species that can thrive in a multitude of environmental parameters. Angels are amongst the easiest fish to care for. Their ease of care has definitely contributed to their increased popularity. It is easy to be misled by those endearing little fish in the pet shop. The specimens available at the pet shops have yet to develop into adulthood. They normally reach up to half a foot in length as adults. They can be housed in an aquarium as tiny as 10 gallons however 20 gallons and is perfect. Angelfish are exceptional community dealers. They are not timid enough to allow themselves to be bullied, but they won’t pick on other fish in the tank. These fish have a peaceful character. However, just as any other species, they will see smaller fish as a food source. They should not be mixed with fish tiny enough for them to eat. Keep this in mind when choosing the other species that will go in your aquarium. You will also want to avoid keeping them with fish that have a tendency to nip at the fins of other fish. Species such as barbs and tetras will instinctively nibble on fish of the long finned variety, even if the fish is larger than them. Long finned species and fin nippers should be kept in separate tanks. The social and dietary habits of practically any freshwater species can be easily researched on the internet. Any reputable pet shop can provide you with information on what species to and do not mix well together. Angelfish are omnivorous. They will thrive on virtually anything. Any good quality tropical fish flakes will make an acceptable staple. Brine shrimp, tubifex worms and blood worms are excellent high protein supplements and will insure optimum vitality. These fish are natives of the Amazon River system. They prefer water with an acidic pH factor. A pH balance of 6.8 and temperatures between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. Under premium conditions your angelfish will live up to 10 years of age. Angelfish Breeding It is nearly impossible to differentiate the sexes before the spawning cycle. A few days before spawning angelfishes' reproductive organs will emerge from their bodies just above the anus. Females will exhibit an ovipositor for releasing their eggs. Males will exhibit a thin tube they will utilize for fertilization. Angelfish practice an instinctive courting ritual just before mating. The couple will clasp their mouths together and swirl around crazily. This frolicsome foreplay is a sure fire sign that the reproduction cycle is about to commence. Once the formalities are out of the way, it is time to prepare an appropriate hatchery. It is now time to make a fitting nursery for the eggs. The angelfish will groom a flat surface to function as a hatchery. When a surface is correctly prepared, the eggs are laid and fertilized. When it comes to parenting, freshwater fish fall into two specific categories. There are those species that will abandon their unborn eggs or even devour them with no regard to parental obligations. Then there are the fish that exhibit varying amounts of parental instinct. All cichlids fall to some extent in the second category. Angelfish are what is known as open brooders. This simply means that they will prepare a flat surface such as a rock or piece of wood in order to deposit their eggs on. Brooders will exhibit parental obligations by standing guard over and tending to their unborn offspring until they hatch. Normally the male stands guard over his future offspring while the female tends to the eggs. After they are hatched, both parents will participate in tending the brood.
Article Source: http://www.icameisawifished.com
Housing a fish in an aquarium that is not large enough could result in catastrophic health problems. A savvy fish owner wouldn’t consider trying to raise an angelfish four inch deep wall mount aquarium. To discover more about commonly kept freshwater aquarium fish check out the fish buying guide.
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