Fish - Flame Angelfish
Angelfish are one of the most beautiful fish to keep as a pet. They come in a variety of deep colors with stripes and spots. Angelfish are not a good beginner fish, because they need a greater amount of care and experience from their owner, because they are exotic and live in saltwater. There are many different kinds of angelfish to choose from including flame, lemon peel, coral beauty, Koran and Caribbean pygmy. The Flame angelfish is bright and beautifully colored. It is also one of the most common, so that is the one we will be discussing today. It is important to note that some types of angelfish grow to be quite large, so it is important to investigate and figure out which fish best suits your lifestyle and space.
Food
Angelfish will eat a wide variety of plant and animal materials. Flake and pellet food are commonly used to help provide additional fresh vegetable matter. You should be sure to provide some sort of live food occasionally. Small live food can include brine shrimp and clams. Some angelfish are more particular about their diet than others, but you will quickly find out what your fish does and does not like to eat based on what is left over in its tank. A balanced diet is required to make sure that your fish is getting all of the nutrients he needs. Mix it up for your pet fish because they may become bored of the same food. Frozen foods that contain both meat and algae are a good addition to your fish’s diet; good brands include Formula One and Ocean Nutrition Pygmy Angel Formula which can be purchased at your local pet store.
Care and Handling for Your Pet
Flame angelfish can grow to be four inches at maturity. Flame angelfish are known to be very adaptable new environments and new fish. They usually do very well in captivity and are best to be housed alone or in pairs. The water should be between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit in order to feel like their native coastal habitat. If you are planning to introduce a Flame Angelfish to an existing aquarium, make sure that it is the last fish to be introduced, otherwise the Flame Angelfish may become stressed and anxious and may become aggressive to any new fish that are introduced. Flame Angelfish can be territorial towards other dwarf angels, and it can sometimes appear as though they are bullying other fish. A crowded aquarium can increase violence because the fish are trying to establish different territories. Flame angelfish are very sensitive to elevated levels of copper so keep levels below 0.15 ppm at all times.
Flame angelfish may be infested with potentially dangerous protozoans when it is sold so it is also advised that before you introduced your new flame angelfish to your aquarium that you treat it with freshwater dips and keep it quarantined initially. In the aquarium you can add cleaning species like shrimps and cleaning gobies to help fend off other parasites and bacteria. Flame Angelfish are saltwater fish so their housing needs are very different than more common cold water fish. The aquarium should be at least 30 gallons. They like to dart in and out of rocks and hide so it is important to provide them with a tank that would be similar to what they would find in the wild. Cleaning the aquarium must be a routine that you follow in order to help ensure the health of your new pet fish. Setting up your tank will depend on how many fish you have. It is best to talk to an expert when setting up more complicated aquariums, so look online and at your local pet store for help and information.
Accessories
The accessories that you purchase for the home and care of your angelfish depend on how elaborate you want your tank to look. Many people will use various rocks and live plants to mimic what it is like for the fish in the wild. Flame angelfish are active and like to dart and hide so providing lots of foliage and hiding spots will keep your fish happy. Brightly colored pebbles and shells can accentuate the beauty of your new pet nicely. Coral may not be suited to your aquarium, as many angelfish begin nipping at it, damaging the coral and themselves. It is also beneficial to have shrimp and cleaning gobies to help clean the tank from deadly toxins. Remember to check if the accessories you are adding to the tank are compatible with your new fish and will not cause any health concerns.
Now that you have everything set up for your new flame angelfish, it is time to sit back and enjoy its vibrant colors. Flame angelfish can easily brighten up your day and mood by giving a sight of the coast with its beautiful colors and patterns. Make sure to put its aquarium in a place in your home with lots of visibility so that you can appreciate your new pet’s beauty.