Methods
for Breeding Angelfish
Angelfish are one of the
most popular aquarium fish. It was once believed that
acidic water was required to successfully breed angelfish.
Nevertheless today angelfish are bred in both acidic and
alkaline, hard and soft waters. In order to breed angelfish
it is best to commence with half a dozen fish. When 10-15
months old, pairs will form. Each pair is then transferred
to a 24 x 15 x 15 inch tank. Fish will spawn on broad-leaved
plants or artificial spawn receptors made of vitriolite
(opaque colored glass) or slate strips. Eggs can be left
with the parents or transferred to a small container for
hatching. It has been found that although angelfish will
spawn freely, the eggs do not hatch, or if they do the
fry die before they become free-swimming. |
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The
remedy is to transfer the eggs to distilled water (with
a few drops of methylene blue added) for hatching, immediately
after the spawning is complete. A delay of an hour or
so can ruin almost every egg present. Add a small bubbler
to oxygenate the eggs, allow a gentle stream of bubbles
to flow over the eggs. It is not recommended to attempt
the removal of dead chalky white eggs, since these actions
usually injures neighboring eggs. Methylene blue is added
to prevent fungus growth on the eggs, the water should
be deep blue in colour to ensure adequate protection.
When the fry hatch they collect in little groups resembling
vibrating masses of jelly. Once the fry become free swimming
they may be feed newly hatched brine shrimp. Do partial
water changes about once a day. The methylene blue should
be removed by these changes within a few days, this is
important since brine shrimp do not live long in the presence
of the dye. |
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When male and female lace angelfish are mated, ordinary
angelfish, lace angelfish, and black angelfish are produced.
Mating two perfect blacks is difficult. When accomplished,
it is reputed to produce all black angelfish. Good blacks
are fully pigmented within a few weeks of birth. |
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