Breeding Angels

The angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare, has remained a much sought after species because of its impressive fin display, reasonably large size, many strains (e.g., marble, silver, black lace, black pearl-scaled, albino, and ghost) ease of breeding, and large reproductive output. Angelfish are monogamous bi-parental substrate spawners, and there are several methods used for breeding them. Because angelfish are not easily sexed, either a true-mated pair or a group of juveniles should be purchased. Pairs can be maintained in 20 gal high tanks or larger with already established biological filters. Typically, the tank is kept empty except for a piece of slate rock slanted against one side. The parents will lay the eggs on the piece of slate. The slate can then be removed and eggs incubated artificially at 80 ºC with an airstone near but not touching the eggs. If artificial incubation is chosen Maroxy can be used to prevent fungus, or eggs infected with fungus can be picked off as necessary. Alternatively, the eggs can remain with the parents, and they will take care of the spawn. Both parents will mouth and fan the eggs, which will hatch in about four days, but will remain attached to the surface until the yolk sac is absorbed (~ 3-4 more days). Increasing temperature will increase hatching time. The downfall of allowing the parents to care for the young is the potential lose of spawns due to parental appetites. Pairs usually only eat their first few spawns, and it is probably worth their expense just to observe their parental behaviors that may last for up to eight weeks. If the primary purpose is to produce large numbers of young, then the eggs should be artificially incubated. This method will save the first few spawns, and also decrease the time between reproductive episodes. 

If a true-mated pair cannot be obtained then a group of juveniles from different sources (to prevent inbreeding effects and keep strains true) can be purchased. Five or more juveniles can be placed in an aquarium, and once pairing occurs the others can be removed. When juveniles become free swimming they must be feed infusoria (e.g., protozoans, rotifers, baby brine shrimp). Spawns are usually large, so the juveniles will have to be divided into a number of tanks.

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