Angelfish... Do I Need To Get A Companion Fishie?

[simonero]

First off one of my 2 angelfish just died...  I am so sad 

  I got her and her family young about 14 months ago, and ever since they murdered the others (and a 3rd died right after a cross-state relocation) it's just been this pair.
 
I'm sure I'm anthropomorphizing a bit here... but they seemed to be "friends".  They swam together, got along, and the smaller one (who just died) seemed to follow her sibling around.  There was a clear dominant-nondominant dynamic between the two.
 
So my question is, now that the remaining fish is alone, should I be worried about it being "lonely"?  I know that angelfish are aggressive and territorial, but given that he grew up with a companion, is it more likely that being alone will be stressful or that it won't affect him?  And should getting another angelfish be considered an option, or is that unrealistic because my fish is already full-sized (or close to it)?  He's pretty aggressive overall, but in a 0-10 kind of way (from ignoring indefinitely to "i will promptly murder and eat you").
 
Advice is appreciated... thanks guys.
 

 

 

 

[Akasha72]

I've just replied to another thread asking a similar question. It would seem from your post that you are fully aware of what could go wrong and so I'll not say no more on that. As he's alone and without a mate (are you sure he's male?) you could try adding a group of females - but get a return guarentee from the lfs - he might choose one to pair up with and then you can return the 'spares' if there is any aggression toward them.
 
If he were an old angel I'd be suggesting to leave him be on his own until he passes on but as he's a young angel having a mate would be better - it's just a case of seeing if he will accept one or not

 

[Byron]

I fully concur with Akasha.  I too posted in that other thread, you might want to have a look at my and Akasha's posts there.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/437855-angelfish-and-tetra-schooling-question/
 
Byron.

 

[simonero]

Thanks guys, this was really helpful!  And nope I'm not sure he's a male - I realize I used pronouns in my post, but that's just how I think of them!  They could both have been the same gender.  All I know is that there was a hierarchy, and the one that survived was in charge and grew to be much larger.  I think based on all of that it would probably be best if I don't risk getting another angel for my tank!..

 

[Akasha72]

I've found my female to be the larger fish and the one 'in charge'. This might point to your fish being a female. Can you post a good clear photo from the side please and I'll have a look. Sometimes it is really obvious - sometimes not. I'm no expert on sexing but I'll be looking at the headshape mostly and looking for a nunchal hump which would suggest a male. A gentle slope to the head and this usually signifies a female. There is also the body shape to take into account and signs of a breeding tube too. 
 
Angelfish are notoriously difficult to sex but sometimes there are characteristics that are really obvious. If I don't know I will be honest and say so