Angelfish are cataloged in one of the largest families of vertebrates on the planet. The family Cichlidae is comprised of over 1,300 scientifically classified species in 220 assorted genera. Previously undiscovered species are found and identified every year. It is highly possible that there may be as many as 3,000 individual species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. This family, referred to in laymen’s terms as cichlids, also includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will indicate that angelfish are indigenous to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is true, this species also inhabits both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River systems. Substantial populations of this species exist throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia in addition to Brazil.

Angels are especially elegant creatures. Angels are one of the most popular choices for freshwater aquarists. Their distinctive dimensions without doubt contributed to their massive popularity. They are available in a variety of color palettes, from solid silver to banded, veined, black, golden, or Koi. They are inarguably among the most readily obtainable fish on the market. Angels are ridiculously inexpensive. Angels are easy fish to keep in good physical shape.

Just a glance at one of these sweet guys will make you want to pull out your wallet. The angelfish available at the pet stores are babies. These fish routinely grow to six inches in length in adulthood. They can be housed in a fish tank as tiny as 10 gallons although 20 gallons and is more accommodating to their adult size.

Angelfish are even tempered by nature. They are wonderful community dwellers. Angels will, however, regard smaller varieties of fish as a tempting taste treat. You do not want to mix them with species such as rasboras, glofish or fancy guppies. You also do not want to house them with fish like barbs or tetras. Both are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish’s large, full bodied fins will be seen as tidbit, too enticing to forgo.

This is an omnivorous species. Their diet should contain both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to select a fish food developed for omnivores as their main staple. A high quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish fit and full of vigor. Many fish hobbyists prefer to provide an assortment of nutritional choices in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not strictly mandatory, it is a good practice. You might want to ask yourself; would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied diet will help to guard against the possibility of any nutritional deficiencies. Dried seaweed sheets make a wonderful dietary supplement for omnivores. High protein dietary additives such as brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms will properly address the need for animal matter. If you can not find them fresh, frozen and freeze-dried preparations are available commercially.

These fish inhabit the Amazon River and its tributaries. They thrive in water on the acidic side of the pH scale. A pH of 6.8 with temperatures between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. Under premium conditions an angelfish may live in excess of 10 years.

In the realm of parenting, fish in general can be divided into two basic categories. There are those fish that will desert their unborn eggs or even eat them in complete disregard for nature’s mandate to prorogate the species. Then there are the species that express varying amounts of parental intuition. All cichlids fall to some extent in the second category. Angelfish are most often referred to as open brooders. Open brooders lay there eggs out in the open as opposed to hiding them from potential predation by cleaning a flat surface like a rock or piece of wood to lay their eggs on. A common trait among brooders is that they will guard over their eggs until they hatch. Generally the male stands guard over his future offspring while the female becomes the eggs’ caregiver. After they are hatched, both parents will take an active role in tending the newborn.

Keeping a specific fish in a fish tank that is not large enough could have catastrophic results. A savvy aquarist wouldn’t think about attempting to keep an angel nano fish tank. To discover more fun filled facts on freshwater aquarium fish browse through my online fish guide.

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