Elizabeth Bayne wrote:
Hi all, [and apologies for cross-postings]

I've just inherited a tropical freshwater tank (with fish) from some people
who're moving away. Its now set up and everything seems stable.

The largest inhabitant is an angel fish (Pterophyllum scalare - not a
classic cichlid I know, but in the right part of the tree). The previous
owners think he is a 'he' - but were not absolutely certain. He is just over
5 inches tall, and is thought to be about 3-5 years old.

We would like to get him an angel fish friend, but I would like your
opinions on whether this is a good idea.

Primarily, if they turn out to be of the same sex is there any danger of
them fighting? or what if they are opposite sexes, and simply fail to get
along?

Additionally, given that it only seems possible to buy baby ones around here
(~ 2-3 inches tall), is the age gap going to cause a problem? i.e. Will the
old one bully the younger one? will the younger one be upset when the older
one shuffles off the mortal coil?

Or am I being too anthropomorphic about the whole thing?

Darren
--
Darren Obbard
Institute of Evolutionary Biology
Kings Buildings
University of Edinburgh, UK


How large is the tank? There is always danger of angelfish fighting,
even if they are of opposite sexes. And if they are of the same sex and
compatible they may decide to breed and then there is trouble for all
the other fish in the tank. However, in a tank of a meter or larger
there is usually room for one angel to escape the unwanted attentions of
another, or other fish to escape a breeding pair.

I've never seen a cichlid grieve over the death of another. Tank
dynamics will change if you have a colony and there is often some
fighting to establish the new boss, but that's about all.

--
__ Elaine T __
__' http://eethomp.com/fish.html '__