Thursday, January 28, 2010

Keeping a Fit & Healthy Angelfish

By Stephen J Broy

Angelfish belong to the largest families of vertebrates on Earth. The family Cichlidae is made up of over 1,300 scientifically classified species in 220 different genera. New species are found and identified every year. Scientists speculate that there may be as many as 3,000 individual species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. The family Cichlidae, more commonly referred to as cichlids, includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will tell you that angelfish are endemic to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is true, this species is also native to both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River basins. Populations of this fish can be found throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia in addition to Brazil.

Angelfish are graceful creatures. Angels are without a doubt the most popular fish among aquarists throughout the world. Their distinctive body structure certainly contributed to their immense popularity. These fish are sold in a variety of patterns and colors, from unembellished to banded, marbled, black, golden, or Koi. They are undoubtedly among the most easily obtainable fish on the market. Angelfish are inexpensive to purchase. Angels are one of the most worry free fish you can have.

Just one look at one of these delightful guys will make you want to pull out a charge card. The specimens available at the fish shops are still immature. Angels normally reach six inches in diameter in adulthood. They can be housed in an aquarium as small as 10 gallons but 20 gallons and up recommended.

Angelfish are non-aggressive. These fish are wonderful community dwellers. A note of caution: They will instinctively perceive smaller community dwellers as a tempting taste treat. Refrain from housing them with species such as minnows, glofish and fancy guppies. You will also want to avoid mixing them with fish like barbs and tetras. Both are infamous fin nippers. An angelfish's large, full bodied fins are mouth-watering taste treat, just pleading to be nibbled on.

Angelfish are omnivorous by nature. They will eat virtually anything. Any common variety tropical fish food will work. Brine shrimp, tubifex worms and blood worms are perfect nutritional supplements and will guarantee and vigorous and happy angelfish.

As natives of northern and central South America, angelfish are considered a tropical species. Angels will thrive in warmer water. A temperature range of 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Angels are a relatively long lived species. If properly maintained you can expect them to live in excess of 10 years of age.

Unlike a lot of fish species of the Amazon River, angelfish will not eat their young. As a matter of fact, the proud parents will aggressively stand guard over their eggs until the newborn fry emerge. After they hatch, both male and female angelfish will usher their young from plant to plant for close to a week. At some undetermined point, the couple's custodial instinct will dissipate. The couple will suddenly view their young as a source of nourishment. The couple should be moved immediately.

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