Idiots Guide to Angelfish

By Beverly Daltom

Freshwater angelfish are one of the most easily recognized, and also one of the most beautiful fish that can be found in a fresh water aquarium.

Angelfish are prized for their unusual shape, color and behavior. A lot of fish hobbyists consider angelfish to be a highly smart fish, with the ability to recognize their owners.

Angelfish,which actually got their name from the marine angelfish (but are not related to them in any way), come from South America in the Amazon region and surrounding basins. Angelfish are from the cichlid family. Cichlids are general known as an species of fish. Angelfish, however, are generally to overly aggressive but can be territorial during spawning, as are most fish for that matter.

Although angelfish are cichlids, their body configuration, specifically the elongated vertical body and triangular shaped fins, differ significantly from the standard cichlid shape most are used to seeing. This body form serves angelfish well however, since it permits them to be hidden among the tall roots and plants that comprise most of the angelfishes natural habitat . Angelfish are omnivores and do eat live food in the wild. They are ambush predators in the wild and prey on smaller fish and micro-invertebrates.

Angelfish Care Coming from an area near to the equator, Angelfish prosper in a warm water environment. Thus aquarium water temperature should be around 80 degrees. Angelfish due best in a domestic environment with a combination of good that replicates their natural diet. Live and flake food should be provided, as well a frozen food Angelfish will continue to eat all the food given to them, so the fish hobbyist must use caution to not overfeed them. This can result in a buildup of excess fat (they became fat fish). Fat fish will become lethargic and generally do not live as long as healthy fish. Well cared for angelfish can live up to 12-15 years. Angelfish, again because of their natural habitat in forested river areas, will do best if kept in a slightly acidic aquarium, with a pH below 7.0.

As mentioned earlier, angelfish, although they are cichlids, are generally no overly aggressive. That being said, angelfish are opportunistic and well not pass up a meal of a smaller fish if given the opportunity. - 32381

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