Angelfish Breeding (please Read, I Need Help)

[jr1104]

Well, it looked like it could happen, and it has. I have been noticing unusual behaviour in my 2 Koi Angelfish recently, and found out that it was their courting ritual. They were fighting and chasing each other. Then, while I was sitting at my PC just 5 mins ago, I saw them laying eggs on a leaf. It is amazing, see how they so carefully work together after all the fighting. The female swam up laying a line of eggs, followed instantly by the male who fertilised them. I hope they manage to hatch a few off the eggs, so I can watch them being raised. That would be amazing.

 

[jarcher1390]

good luck

 

[jr1104]

Yeah, since if they hatch I'm using your tank

 

[Teelie]

The first few times they may eat the eggs or fry, but they'll catch on and start raising them properly. Fortunately, they tend to have several cycles in a year so even if the first fails, it doesn't mean you have to wait long.

 

[jr1104]

They layed eggs a couple of times last year as well, but they ate them, so I think they may get it right this time.

 

[jr1104]

OK, I need a bit of help here. They have finished laying the eggs, and have been protecting the eggs, but the male keep s attacking the female, especialy the eyes and fins. Is this normal, and will he kill the female?

 

[Tolak]

Angels are cichlids, & can be aggressive. Breeding pairs have been known to kill their mate. I just sold a couple of black pairs, one male was only tolerant of the female when they were activly spawning. Setting up a divider is a good idea.

When breeding fish, temperment should be taken into consideration, just like any other animal.

 

[Gourami Lover88]

The male probably sees the female as a threat, if the eggs are on a movable surface you can move the whole piece into another tank, then the aggresion will stop and you can raise the babies in a controlled enviroment.

 

[Tolak]

Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes the more aggressive half of the pair gets even more aggressive. Anyone dealing with cichlids should have a divider handy if another tank isn't available.

 

[jr1104]

Woke up this morning, and they seemed to be acting just like they should. The male was wafting water over the eggs, and the female was moving any eggs that fall off. I have noticed that they don't fight anymore, but sometimes they lock their mouths together. Is this another sign of aggression, or is it something else?
Also, 3 of the eggs have turned white, and there should hopefully be some wrigglers by tonight. I am hoping to move them to another tank soon. Should I move just the eggs, or the parents and the eggs?