Q&A for How to Breed Freshwater Angelfish

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  • Question
    Why does my angelfish eat their fry?
    Brian Blake
    Aquarium and Fish Expert
    Brian Blake is an Aquarium Expert and the Owner of Boodleshire Aquatics based in the Kansas City Metro Area. With over 20 years of experience, Brian is an expert in freshwater planted aquariums, saltwater reef aquariums, and aquarium installation, care, and maintenance. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Ichthyology and Aquatic Environmental Science from Emporia State University.
    Aquarium and Fish Expert
    Expert Answer
    Parent angelfish eat their fry primarily out of instinctual behavior and fear. Inexperienced angelfish, especially during their initial attempts at parenting, may mistakenly consume their eggs or fry due to various reasons, such as fear of infection or misinterpretation of other fish behavior. This behavior is common among many cichlids and serves as a survival mechanism, albeit unfortunate for the offspring. To avoid this, you can separate the eggs from the parents, but this is not always necessary. Sometimes, parent angelfish can really do a good job taking care of their fry on their own.
  • Question
    My male fish is smaller than the female. Is there any possibility of breeding?
    Community Answer
    They usually pair up with someone their own size, but if there aren't any other fish, they might pair up.
  • Question
    Do the parents feed the fry?
    Community Answer
    No. You do.
  • Question
    Do we need to feed the angelfish while they're mating?
    Community Answer
    They need more food than usual during breeding.
  • Question
    Can two different species of angelfish mate?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can breed different strains of Angelfish.
  • Question
    Can I keep small types of catfish with the eggs?
    Community Answer
    You should not. It's not a great idea to keep any fish with the eggs. Every fish can be a predator for the fry or even just eat the eggs.
  • Question
    My female angel laid eggs one month ago, and just two days ago my male died, so can I put another male in with her?
    Community Answer
    I've done that before, and the female did accept the new male. That is not always the case, but I would try it. If the female acts aggressive, separate the two as quickly as possible.
  • Question
    Will I get a breeding pair in a 50 gallon tank?
    Gabe
    Community Answer
    A 50 gallon tank could work, but it would be a little cramped. Bigger is always better and the bigger the tank, the less stress a fish would have. It is recommended to use a tank of 55 gallons or above for the greatest chance of breeding successfully.
  • Question
    After the female angel lays eggs, do I need to move the eggs and the female fish to another tank?
    Terry Shelton
    Community Answer
    The male has to fertilize the eggs; he will protect the eggs and fan them. After they have been fertilized, you can move the eggs, but they need a very low current over them, and they may still get fungus, which will kill the eggs. You can buy methylene blue to help prevent fungus.
  • Question
    Why does one of my gosh pick on my angel fish?
    Dieyun Ding
    Top Answerer
    If the glo fish are tiger barbs (have a triangular body and thick dark vertical stripes) then either the barbs or the angelfish have to be re-homed to a separate tank, as they are usually not compatible. If the glo fish are not tiger barbs, then most likely, the tank is too small to accommodate all of the fishes' territories, or there is not enough decor for stressed fish to hide in and/or divide territories.
  • Question
    How many eggs do angelfish lay?
    Community Answer
    Roughly about 100 every time but only a few of them survive to adulthood.
  • Question
    My angelfish have attached their eggs to the filter. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Move them as carefully as you can, or they may get sucked into the filter.
  • Question
    If I leave the eggs in the tank, will they survive?
    Community Answer
    The other angelfish would probably eat them. I would put them in an other tank until they are ready to join the other angelfish.
  • Question
    How big do angelfish need to be for breeding?
    Community Answer
    Mine began breeding around three years of age, with their bodies about the size of the palm of your hand, and height around 10-12 inches from the tip of their top fin to the tip of the bottom fin.
  • Question
    How do you know if an egg has been fertilized?
    Community Answer
    Non-fertilized eggs will turn white. The parents may eat these eggs.
  • Question
    How big do angelfish have to be before they breed?
    Community Answer
    They usually start pairing off when small, when they're about 3 inches in height. But do note that they will not start laying or producing fry until they are a little more experienced, so you will have to be patient and feed them good quality food and they will start to produce fry for you which will definitely be worth the wait.
  • Question
    Every time my angelfish parents eat their babies just after they hatch. What to do?
    CamroWilso 36
    Community Answer
    Sometimes, angelfish may still eat their eggs even after you make many accommodations. I do have a breeding pair that will do this regardless of what I do. I would recommend perhaps removing the eggs as soon as they hatch and hatching them artificially in a jar or something similar. But making sure that the temp is correct and whatever jar or tank you move the eggs to, remember to add a few drops of methylene blue and have a gentle flow in the container to stop fungi from growing.
  • Question
    If we remove the eggs from the tank to another, will they hatch?
    CamroWilso 36
    Community Answer
    As long as they are fertilized and free from fungi, then yes. To prevent this, make sure to add a few drops of methylene blue and have a slight current to the water to remove any chance of fungi growing.
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