A Complete Angelfish Resource

Native to the tropical waters of the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo River basins in South America, freshwater angelfish have unique and strange ovular but compressed bodies. They are among the most common aquatic pets in the world, yet are highly valued for their striking appearance and rich color variations.

Appearance

Size: While wild freshwater angelfish have been known to grow as long as 22 inches, most captive angelfish average 7 inches from head to tip when fully grown.

Color: Freshwater angelfish come in a wide range of hues and patterns. Common base scale colors include everything from yellow and silver to black and gold. Marble and zebra patterns are also common, as are smoky and lace-like markings.

Variants: The instantly recognizable queen has a trademark blue-green hue and yellow edges on its scales. Named for the color of its head, the blue face angelfish is one of the larger domesticated variants, growing as long as 15 inches in length. Blushing angelfish earned their name from their reddish faces, which contrast beautifully with their delicate albino bodies. All in all, angelfish show incredible diversity, much like clownfish.

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Behavioral Characteristics of an Angelfish

A high level of intelligence is part of what makes this fish so popular. These fish can recognize their owners and react excitedly when they see their favorite people come into the room. Breeding angelfish is relatively easy with a proper aquarium, though you should take care to introduce enough genetic diversity to prevent inbreeding.

Health and Care

Feeding: Avoid overfeeding, as they'll keep eating even when they're full, which will eventually lead to inactivity and premature death. A mixture of frozen, flaked and live food is best.

Tank Care: Keep the pH level of the water in the aquarium slightly acidic; in other words, around the 7.0 level or slightly lower. These fish thrive in warm water, ideally maintained at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Health Concerns: Many develop a condition called "pop eye." Its symptoms include sores, bloody body splotches, tumors, black spots and listlessness. The exact causes range from parasitic or bacterial infections to flatworms and contaminated tank water. Promote good fish health by being vigilant about proper, conscientious freshwater aquarium care.

Life Expectancy: A freshwater angelfish that's well cared for can live to be 10 years of age or older.