In this post, we will answer the question “How long do Angelfish live in a fish tank?” and a learn little bit about this fish species biology and ecology.
Angelfish are very popular among aquarium hobbyists. Embraced by many for its vibrant colours and long life. But how long can they live in your tank or the wild? Let’s find out.
How long do Angelfish live in a fish tank?
Angelfish can live on average from 8 to 12 years in a fish tank if they are raised in good tank and water conditions. In fact, they can live for a few more years if in perfect ideal conditions. Furthermore, they are resistant and easy to care for.
Angelfish can live up to 12 years in captivity and the wild. However, estimates are showing that they can live up to 15 years if kept in an extremely pure condition and fed as recommended. Furthermore, they are easy to maintain as they are resistant and can tolerate small changes in water parameters.
Angelfish can grow differently according to their variety. However, the bigger ones can grow to up to 12 inches. As such, it is recommended to keep them in a tall aquarium. Also, make sure the aquarium is not overcrowded as this can cause stress and ultimately death. They are the best fish to keep if you plan on being an aquarist for a long time.
How can you increase the life expectancy of Angelfish?
Well, if you want your fellow fish to live for a long time, you have to follow the dos and do nots to keep the Angelfish. Below, we explained some ideal conditions that can improve fish life.
Genetics
This is by far the most important aspect if you want your fish to reach an advanced age. We recommend buying fish from a renowned pet store, as they pay attention to the Angelfish genetics and conditions. Angelfish with poor genetics normally only reach up to 5 years, while some genetic variations can reach the age of 15 years.
Varieties of Angelfish
Albino: Lack dark coloured of pigments, but keep the yellow and orange colouration. As such, they tend to have a white to yellow body.
Half Black: As the name suggests, the fish’s back is dark while the front looks silver. To achieve that contrasting look, you must keep them in optimal condition.
Marble: Black and silver stains patterned as marble.
Silver: They are by far the core of most aquariums. They are silver bodied with three black bars that vary in strength depending on the Angelfish mood.
Zebra: Similar to silver Angelfish, they have four to six black stripes.
Gold: No black stripes. They are excessively golden yellow and have orange markings on the head, face and back.
Angelfish characteristics
Angelfish are freshwater fish representatives of Cichlids. They have several varieties as shown above and bring personality and a great look to a fish tank. We will now understand more about their requirements and needs.
Diet
In fish tanks, Angelfish eat most of the fish food you offer, floating or sinking. They enjoy flakes, frozen-dried foods, etc. Additionally, they also enjoy having some live small shrimps and bloodworms.
Where to find Angelfish in the wild?
Angelfish are originally from South America. They inhabit the Amazon river basin. However, most of the Angelfish found in stores are not wild-caught, they are normally bred in captivity.
Angelfish reproduction
Angelfish breeding is very common. These fish are very rare to find wild-caught individuals in stores. Although breeding Angelfish is very popular, it is important to let the breeding individuals pair off naturally. Thus, raising at least 6 of them until adulthood would be recommended.
Angelfish can lay around 600 eggs every two weeks. However, temperature and ideal conditions are necessary, then the eggs will hatch in two or three days. After three or four days, the hatchlings will become free-swimming and the parents will keep protecting them.
Behaviour
Similarly to other Cichlid species, Angelfish can get quite aggressive when facing specific conditions. Such as threats or territory competition.
However they can become aggressive, it is important to keep at least two Angelfish together as they feel safer than alone. Keep in mind to provide them with enough space to establish their territory.
Which are the best decorations for Angelfish?
Rocks
Smooth river rocks make great décor for Angelfish aquariums. This can be either natural or artificial. Rocks will resemble the Angelfish natural habitat and will make them instinctively happier. Although, it is important to keep in mind that some shapes can be dangerous to the fish, as they can get their fins trapped between the structures.
Additionally, it is also important to consider the material and substances of these rocks, as some can dissolve and alter the water parameters, as the limestone.
Plants
Plants are also important features to consider in your Angelfish tank. They will also resemble the Angelfish natural habitat and could help you with maintaining some water parameters, as nitrogen levels.
They can also be eaten by your Angelfish, which would enhance their diet.
Artificial plants can also be considered, however, they would require more attention than live plants, as they could accumulate fish waste.
Conclusion
In this post, we answered the question “How long do Angelfish live in a fish tank?”. We also learnt a little bit about their biology and ecology.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How long do Angelfish live in a fish tank?
How long do angelfish normally live?
IN comparison to other fish species, the Angelfish have a long lifespan between 8 and 12 years, or even longer if kept under faultless tank care.
How long can angelfish live without a filter?
Without a filter, the Angelfish could live up to 12 hours. However, some tank features could increase this time, such as in well-planted tanks, where oxygenation is favoured by the plants.
How long can Angelfish live out of water?
Out of the water, Angelfish would only live for a few minutes, around three or four, and quickly die after that, as they would not be capable of taking oxygen directly from the atmosphere.
What temperature do Angelfish like?
Angelfish are very adjustable fish. They prefer slightly warmer waters, thus, temperatures are best if kept between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much do Angelfish cost?
The price of Angelfish will vary depending on their size and colour, the price average is $15 US dollars, but can get pretty high regarding the rareness of the Angelfish.
Are Angelfish aggressive?
They are considered semi-aggressive. This is because, in general, they are peaceful fish. However, they can get quite aggressive if threatened or under competition.
References
Jason. 2017. 15 Great Angelfish Tank Mates (Complete Compatibility Guide). https://www.buildyouraquarium.com/angelfish-tank-mates/
Care Guide for Freshwater Angelfish – The Feisty Angel of the Aquarium.https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/angelfish-care-guide
Angelfish Care Guide. https://www.aqueon.com/resources/care-guides/angelfish
