Angelfish Breeding Guide: Tips for Success
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) are among the most elegant and rewarding freshwater species to breed. Their tall fins, graceful swimming style, and attentive parenting behaviors make them favorites for aquarists who want to witness natural fish care firsthand.
In his classic reference, Complete Introduction to Breeding Aquarium Fishes, Herbert R. Axelrod highlights that angelfish are "one of the most accessible species for home aquarists interested in observing complex breeding behaviors." This makes them perfect candidates for both beginners and advanced hobbyists.
Setting the Stage for Breeding
- Tank Size: A 20 - 30 gallon tall tank is ideal for a breeding pair. The vertical space allows angelfish to display their natural swimming and nesting behaviors.
- Water Quality: Axelrod emphasizes maintaining soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0 - 6.8) with temperatures around 78-82 degrees F. These conditions mimic their native Amazonian habitat and encourage spawning.
- Pair Bonding: Unlike some fish, angelfish form monogamous pairs. Observing them choosing partners-often through subtle courtship dances-is part of the fun.
- Both parents fan the eggs to prevent fungus.
- They guard the territory against intruders.
- After hatching (in 2-3 days), they carefully move wrigglers to pre-dug pits or safe spots.
- First Foods: Newly hatched fry require microscopic foods; infusoria or commercial liquid fry food. Within a week, they can transition to baby brine shrimp.
- Growth Stages: Fry quickly develop into miniature versions of their parents, often showing early fin extensions.
- Separation: If the parents become stressed or aggressive, move the fry to a grow-out tank for safety.
Courtship and Spawning
Once paired, angelfish select a vertical spawning site, often a broad plant leaf, slate, or even a filter intake. The female deposits rows of adhesive eggs, while the male carefully fertilizes them.
According to Axelrod's research, successful pairs often "clean their spawning surface meticulously" before laying eggs, a ritual that aquarists can easily observe.
Parental Care
One of the most fascinating aspects of breeding angelfish is their active parental role:
This natural parenting sets angelfish apart from many other popular species. Axelrod notes that aquarists can "learn much about fish intelligence and instinct" by watching angelfish nurture their young.
Raising the Fry
Why Breed Angelfish?
Educational: A hands-on way to witness natural breeding and parental care.
Rewarding: Raising a school of home-bred angelfish is an accomplishment for any aquarist.
Community Impact: Local breeders can supply hardier, healthier fish compared to mass-produced stock, echoing Axelrod's enduring advice on the value of small-scale breeding.
Reference
Much of the foundational knowledge for this guide is drawn from Herbert R. Axelrod's Complete Introduction to Breeding Aquarium Fishes, a cornerstone in the hobby that remains highly relevant for today's aquarists.
