Frequently Asked Questions

Angelfish (*Pterophyllum scalare*) are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish due to their striking appearance, graceful movements, and relatively easy care. However, breeding and raising angelfish can be a rewarding challenge, especially when it comes to managing the proper environment and ensuring healthy fry growth. This guide will cover everything you need to know about breeding and raising angelfish, including water parameters, useful tools, and the "Dean's Fry System" for successfully raising the fry.

*1. Understanding Angelfish Biology and Behavior**

Angelfish are cichlids native to the Amazon Basin in South America. In the wild, they are typically found in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and low light. Angelfish have a distinctive shape with triangular fins and long, flowing pelvic fins. They are also known for their peaceful temperament, although they can become territorial during breeding.

### **2. Breeding Angelfish**

#### **A. Preparing the Breeding Pair**

To breed angelfish successfully, you’ll need to ensure you have a compatible breeding pair. Angelfish are monogamous and often form long-term pair bonds, but it may take time for a pair to form.

1. **Selecting a Pair:**
  - It can be difficult to determine the sex of angelfish, especially when young. Males tend to have a larger, more pronounced nuchal hump (a lump on their head) when mature. Females are generally smaller and have a slightly rounder body.
  - It’s best to buy several angelfish and let them grow together. The pair will often form naturally.

2. **Sexual Maturity:**
  - Angelfish typically reach sexual maturity at about 6 to 12 months of age, depending on water temperature and diet.

#### **B. Setting Up a Breeding Tank**

Angelfish can breed in community tanks, but setting up a dedicated breeding tank is ideal. The tank should have the following characteristics:

- **Tank Size:** A minimum of 20 to 30 gallons for a breeding pair, with a larger tank recommended for multiple pairs or community setups.
- **Water Parameters:**
 - **Temperature:** 78–80°F (25–27°C). A higher temperature can help trigger spawning.
 - **pH:** 6.5 to 7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
 - **Hardness:** Soft to moderately hard water (dGH 3–10).
 - **Ammonia, Nitrite:** Zero. Always make sure the water is fully cycled before introducing your pair.

- **Substrate:** A fine-gravel or soft substrate works well for breeding.
- **Plants & Decorations:** Provide plenty of hiding spots, but also ensure open flat surfaces like broad-leaf plants or spawning cones where the angelfish can lay eggs.

#### **C. Spawning Process**

1. **Spawning Behavior:**
  - When a pair is ready to breed, they will engage in courtship, often performing synchronized swimming patterns and cleaning a flat surface for egg deposition.
  - Female angelfish lay their eggs on the selected surface, while the male fertilizes them. Angelfish eggs are often laid in clusters of 200-500, depending on the size of the female.

2. **Incubation:**
  - The female will guard the eggs while the male defends the area. The eggs hatch in about 2 to 3 days, and the fry are initially transparent.

3. **Fry Care:**
  - Once hatched, the fry remain attached to the spawning surface for about 4–7 days while absorbing their yolk sac. During this time, the parents continue to protect them from potential threats.

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### **3. Raising Angelfish Fry**

Raising angelfish fry is where the challenge lies. Here’s how to care for them:

#### **A. Water Parameters for Fry**

The water parameters for angelfish fry are slightly different from those for adults:

- **Temperature:** 80–82°F (27–28°C) for optimal growth.
- **pH:** Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.5–7.0.
- **Ammonia/Nitrite:** Zero, always ensure the water is well-maintained to prevent infections.

#### **B. Feeding the Fry**

1. **Initial Feeding:**
  - After the yolk sac is absorbed (around 4–7days), the fry will begin swimming freely and require feeding.
  - **Infusoria** or **liquid fry food** is essential for the first few days, as angelfish fry are too small to consume larger foods.
  - As the fry grow, you can introduce **microworms, baby brine shrimp**, or **crushed flakes**.

2. **Feeding Schedule:**
  - Fry need to be fed several times a day—ideally 3 to 4 small feedings per day.
  - Keep the water clean by performing frequent water changes (at least 25-50% per week), as food remnants can pollute the tank quickly.

#### **C. Maintaining Water Quality**

- **Filtration:** Use a sponge filter to provide gentle filtration. A strong filter can harm the delicate fry.
- **Water Changes:** Perform daily or at least every other day water changes in the early stages to maintain optimal water quality. Ensure that water temperature matches that of the fry tank during water changes.

#### **D. Monitoring Growth**

Fry grow quickly when fed properly, but they can also be susceptible to diseases like **ich** or **fungal infections**. Keep a close eye on their development, and if you notice any signs of disease, treat immediately.

#### **E. Transitioning to Larger Food**

As the fry grow, they can start eating larger food items. Around 3 weeks, you can start offering **baby brine shrimp** and gradually move to finely crushed flake foods as they approach 6–8 weeks of age.

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### **4. Useful Tools for Breeding and Raising Angelfish**

Several tools can make the process of breeding and raising angelfish easier:

- **Sponge Filters:** Provide gentle filtration that is safe for fry.
- **Heaters:** A reliable aquarium heater with a thermostat to maintain stable temperature.
- **Spawning Cones or Flat Surfaces:** These can encourage your angelfish to lay eggs in an ideal location.
- **Magnifying Glass:** To check the fry closely for development and signs of disease.
- **Liquid Fry Food:** Specialized food for newborn angelfish, such as infusoria or powdered fry food.
- **Aquarium Thermometer:** To keep track of water temperature.
- **Water Testing Kit:** To check pH, ammonia, nitrites, and hardness regularly.

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### **5. Dean's Fry System for Raising Angelfish**

The **Dean's Fry System** is a method developed by angelfish breeders to maximize fry survival and growth. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

1. **Initial Care:**
  - Once the fry are free-swimming, transfer them to a grow-out tank with soft water and stable conditions (temperature, pH, and filtration).
  - Use a sponge filter in the grow-out tank, and ensure gentle water flow to prevent fry from being sucked into the filter.

2. **Feed Small, Frequent Meals:**
  - Feed the fry multiple times a day with freshly hatched **baby brine shrimp** or **microworms**. Aim to feed as much as they can consume within 5 minutes.

3. **Water Changes:**
  - Regular water changes are crucial to remove waste and ensure the fry grow healthily. In the Dean’s Fry System, water changes are typically done 1-2 times a day to maintain water quality.

4. **Gradual Introduction of Larger Foods:**
  - As the fry grow, begin introducing larger foods, such as **crushed flakes** and **pellets**. Slowly transition the fry from live foods to powdered commercial foods as they grow larger.

5. **Temperature Management:**
  - Keep the temperature a bit higher (around 80°F or 27°C) to encourage fast growth and reduce the chances of disease.

6. **Handling Growth Spurts:**
  - Some fry may grow faster than others, leading to size differences. It’s important to provide ample space and avoid overcrowding. If necessary, separate larger fry from smaller ones to avoid bullying.

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### **Conclusion**

Breeding and raising angelfish requires careful attention to water parameters, feeding schedules, and the overall health of both adults and fry. By setting up a dedicated breeding tank, ensuring the right environment for spawning, and providing high-quality care for the fry, you can successfully breed and raise healthy angelfish. The Dean's Fry System is an excellent method for ensuring maximum survival and growth of your angelfish fry, making it a valuable tool for breeders looking to maximize their success.

By following this guide, you should be well on your way to breeding beautiful angelfish and raising a new generation of healthy, vibrant fish.
Sent from my iPhone, please pardon my errors

Our puppies receive daily exercise, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care.

Yes, we encourage potential buyers to meet the parents of the puppies to get a better idea of their temperament and physical characteristics.