Topic Fish: Angelfish

If you've kept up with my blog from beginning to end you might remember hearing about S.D. my silver angelfish that I bought last summer with my mom. When we bought S.D. he was about an inch tall from fin tip to fin tip. Now he spans about the width of my fingers, about 3.5in. I can hardly believe how big he's grown. 

Growing fish is always an aqaurists entertainment, however when your fish outgrow your tank it becomes a problem. With Angelfish its easy to tell when they need a new crib so to speak. The bottom fin starts to curl up. If they can't be placed in a larger tank, usually just taller, then this curling of the fin will become permanent.

Angelfish can grow to be about 12inch tall, and come from the Cichlidae family of fish. Angelfish are often available with stripes running vertically down their body. Marble Angelfish are also available, with a splash of colors. They tend to be a predator type of fish, S.D. chases the tiger barbs, and zebra danios that we have all the time. 

One thing you should remember when thinking about an Angelfish are the type of fish you already have or may want. Due to the long flowing fins that Angelfish have, any aggressive tankmates may be inclined to nip their fins, you must keep this in mind when picking future fish. 

You must also be willing to purchase more than one Angelfish.  This is due to the fact that they form long-term relationships where each individual will protect the other from threats and potential suitors. Breeders have experienced the remaining mate rejecting and or refusing to pair up with any other angelfish, after the death or removal of  their mate.