angelfish?

Feb 23, 2009
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York, UK
#1
Hey all :) the betta in my community tank died recently (pop eye) and I was wondering whether an angelfish would work in there? I don't really know anything about them , such as space needed, community attitude etc.; any ideas?
 

Lotus

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Aug 26, 2003
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#2
If this is the 5 gallon or 15 gallon tank in your signature, then an angel wouldn't work. They get very large--body around 6 inches across, 10 inches from bottom fin to top fin.

A 20g tank is about the minimum, and even that's not a good home for an angel.
 

Doomhed

Large Fish
Feb 11, 2003
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#3
I have always preferred at least a 40 gallon tall for an angel, and usually much bigger than that.

I have always wondered why no one seems to be interested in trying to breed dwarf angels, I am sure they would sell a ton if they could.
 

misterking

Superstar Fish
Aug 12, 2008
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#6
You peaked my interest when you mentioned dwarf angels. I googled them and it seems that they are only marine. I think most people are a bit afraid of saltwater tanks.
I think what he means is the possibility of selective breeding to produce angelfish which overall grow smaller. Not sure it'd work, I've not seen this applied to other fish.. The scale of inbreeding needed would throw out quite a lot of mutations and some fairly deformed fish.

As lotus said, too big for your tanks. I do agree with the 20 gallon minimum, but a TALL tank rather than a 20 long. And even then I'd only keep a pair at most with very little else..
 

beckyd

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Mar 16, 2009
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#8
Angels are fine as a community fish as long as you have enough space and you do not get a M/F pair that spawn, unless you have ALOT of space. If you tried to get more than one in anything less than a 40g, and you ended up with a pair, your other fish would be in danger. Spawning angels are dangerously protective. I ordered 10 tiny little guys from a breeder last fall for a 55. He sent 12 and now they are huge and I am setting up a 150 for them, so I can keep them. I did put my two smallest in my 75g community tank because they were getting bullied once the spawning started. They did great. And they look spectacular in there. I have black moscow guppies, red swords, yellow mollies, and a school of cardinal tetras. All bright, fast little fish. The regal swimming of the angels really looks spectacular in contrast. Two issues to be aware of if you try it. The angels will eat fry. They are better at it than the smaller fish surprisingly. They sort of stalk them when they are at the surface hiding under plants. One swipe of the tail and they have them. They are very accurate and too fast for the fry to get away using this tactic. This has is pros and cons. The other issue is feeding time. They are not as agile as the little fish and you have to make sure they get enough food.

I agree about the dwarf concept. I have one fish that was the same size as the others, but as an adult is half their size. I don't know the sex yet and it hasn't paired with anyone in my tank, but it would be interesting to see if he/she throws any smaller fry once they start to grow. Hmmm ,an interesting idea. I might have to get on the angel forum and see if any Florida breeders would send me their smaller ones...

I think I'll post this topic on there and see what response I get.