Scalare Angelfish Question!

[FishHobbyist1564]

Hi everyone, I'm looking into getting freshwater scalare angels, and I am looking into breeding them. I have a 75-gallon tank with 5 cardinal tetras and 6 cories in it, so the tank is extremely empty lol.

So i have decided to get 6 angels! My question is regarding the size of the angels...

At which size do they start to pair off? If you all could give me an example of their size in reference to household objects, etc. rather than their size in millimeters or centimeters, that would be great! Also, if I get a group of really really big ones, would they still be as willing to pair off as juveniles?

Finally, if I have a pair of angels eventually, and one happens to die, will the other one pair up with another angel, or can angels only pair up once?

Every reply is much appreciated!

 

[Tolak]

It is more age than size, some phenotypes will breed at a smaller size, being slower growing. Usually at about 6 months of age, or half dollar body size, you will see pairing behavior. The average for pairing is around 9 months, I've had blacks that are barely bigger than quarter body size throw viable spawns at that age. Blacks are slower growers, other phenotypes are often closer to dollar body size.

 

[FishHobbyist1564]

Thank you very much! I'm confused about the dollar size and the half-dollar size, though... can you think of any other examples lol?

If I get a group of really really big ones, would they still be as willing to pair off as juveniles?

Also, if I have a pair of angels eventually, and one happens to die, will the other one pair up with another angel, or can angels only pair up once?

So what size do you think i should buy them at? I want to breed them relatively soon, and i am very excited to breed.. so i dont want to wait for months for them to pair off lol

 

[Tolak]

Angels in the US are commonly referred to by what size coin their body would cover when netted. Let me know what country you are from, I'll try to find a comparable size coin. Coins are used because they are so common.

Large older angels will pair, younger ones seem to pair a little easier for me. Half dollar to dollar body size is a good size to start with when trying for pairs, as you have a pretty good idea as to what the quality of the intended parents will be.

Angels will re-pair, occasionally you will have one half of the pair die, more often they have a falling out, and one will act much more aggressively to the other.

Besides the tank for the pair, you will need a hatching tank, anything from a 2.5 to 10 gallon will work. You will need a more medium size tank to move the spawn into after anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, something in the 20 to 30 gallon range is good. You then need tanks for final growout.

Shops won't take angels until they are dime to nickel size, you will need 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon per fish. Angel spawns are 200 to 600 eggs, you will lose a few, you are aiming for less than 10% losses. This will give you an idea of tank space needed.

Most of all, you will need customers. Nothing is worse than having worked hard at something just to find there is no market for it. This should be your starting point before committing to breed anything.

There is a pinned topic at the top of this section concerning angel breeding, more is covered in there. Any other questions ask away!

 

[FishHobbyist1564]

Thank you so much Tolak, i think you have covered all of my questions!
Thanks for the great replies