we have a threesome of angel fish. both females have spawned previously and were peaceful enough togather while raising fry but recently one spawned and a fight erupted between them. we have seperated them with a barrier in the same tank.has anyone else had simular problems and what did you do?
2007-02-25 08:05:22 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
This is a very normal behaviour for angelfish. Three angelfish is an awkward number when two decide to pair off. That leaves one "outsider" who may be ostracized by the pair. In non-spawning times, the pair will probably be normal and placid, but when they do have eggs or fry, they will not tolerate the presence of the third fish.
I have a 100 gallon tank with about 6 angelfish, and at least two pairs. I always remove their eggs to raise them myself (I have a pesky pleco who likes caviar), which can reduce the aggression to a period of about 2 hours. Otherwise, you can separate them like you did, with a divider. Another option would be to get a second tank for the loner angelfish. Or, lastly, if your tank is big enough, get another angelfish or two. As I say, I have a large group in my tank, and although the parents may take a shot at the others if they get too close, they will generally leave them alone as long as they don't invade their territory.
2007-02-27 06:14:44 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is very typical of breeding cichlids, angels included. They are very defensive of the eggs and fry typically and will attack any fish not part of the breeding pair. Your best answer is a divider like you have done or to remove the other fish to a separate tank. Once the babies are a few eeks to a month old it will be safe to allow them to mix again, but watch them carefully to be sure the odd fish out doesn't try to eat the young. If so you will need to separate them again.
MM
2007-02-25 09:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋