Angels - mixed LG

Species: Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Tank Requirements:

1. Tank Size: Provide a minimum tank size of 20 gallons for a pair of angelfish. Larger tanks are recommended for a community setup or if you plan to keep multiple angelfish together.

2. Water Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 78-82°F (25-28°C).

3. Water Parameters: Aim for a pH level of 6.5-7.5 and a hardness of 3-8 dKH.

4. Filtration: Install a reliable filtration system to maintain water quality and provide gentle water movement.

5. Substrate and Decor: Use a fine-grained substrate like sand or small gravel. Include hiding places, plants (live or artificial), and driftwood to create a natural environment and offer shelter.

Feeding:

1. Diet: Provide a varied diet that includes high-quality flake or pellet food specifically formulated for angelfish. Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.

2. Feeding Frequency: Feed adult angelfish once or twice a day, offering an amount they can consume within a few minutes. Adjust the quantity based on their appetite and monitor for overfeeding.

Tankmates:

1. Compatibility: Angelfish are generally peaceful but can become territorial during breeding. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish species.

2. Suitable Tankmates: Good tankmates include peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, gouramis, corydoras catfish, and peaceful bottom dwellers.

Maintenance:

1. Water Changes: Perform regular partial water changes of 25-30% every 1-2 weeks to maintain water quality.

2. Water Testing: Monitor water parameters using test kits to ensure they remain within the recommended range.

3. Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank by removing debris, vacuuming the substrate, and cleaning the filter to prevent buildup of waste and maintain water clarity.

Behavior and Health:

1. Behavior: Angelfish are known for their graceful swimming and can be territorial during breeding. They may also establish a hierarchy if kept in a group.

2. Signs of Good Health: Look for active behavior, vibrant colors, erect fins, and a healthy appetite. Any unusual behavior or signs of illness (such as loss of appetite, color fading, fin damage, or abnormal growths) should be investigated promptly.

3. Quarantine: When introducing new fish to the tank, consider quarantining them first to prevent the spread of diseases.

Breeding:

1. Breeding Conditions: Provide a separate breeding tank with softer, slightly acidic water. Raise the temperature a few degrees and include broad-leaved plants or spawning cones as potential breeding sites.

2. Pair Bonding: Allow a compatible pair to form a bond, which may involve courtship displays and cleaning potential spawning sites.

3. Egg Care: After spawning, the parents will guard and fan the eggs. If necessary, you can remove the eggs and place them in a separate tank with gentle filtration until they hatch.

4. Fry Care: Once the fry hatch, feed them with powdered or liquid fry food until they grow large enough to consume larger foods.