Angel fish _Pterophyllum scalare_

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

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 '__

[Darren]
I've just inherited a tropical freshwater tank
The largest inhabitant is an angel fish
We would like to get him an angel fish friend

[Elaine T ]
How large is the tank? There is always danger of angelfish fighting,
even if they are of opposite sexes.

It's 3 feet by 1 foot by slightly more than 1 foot.

There's a small community ~ 10 to 12 inches of total fish length, spread
across 7 fish. And a *lot* of plants. Plus some wood and rocks.

Do you think there's enough room for another angel fish, or are we asking
for trouble?

Thanks!

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

Sexing Angles is easy, if you know what to look for,
Look at the fish from the side, From the nose to the start of the top fin,,
Is it a gentle curve [female] or is there a bump, change of angle in the
curve [male] Its not easy to see, but when you have a pair the differance is
quite plain to see.
The chances are your angel is boss of the tank, given his size, Your best
bet would be to wait and keep track of any local Aquairums , You could even
ask if they could get you something, of suitable size, But on the right diet
they will grow quickly, But if you do get one and they do turn out to be
a pair, it could be trouble for the rest of the tanks inhabitants
bassett

"Elizabeth Bayne" wrote in message
. uk...
[Darren]
I've just inherited a tropical freshwater tank
The largest inhabitant is an angel fish
We would like to get him an angel fish friend

[Elaine T ]
How large is the tank? There is always danger of angelfish fighting,
even if they are of opposite sexes.

It's 3 feet by 1 foot by slightly more than 1 foot.

There's a small community ~ 10 to 12 inches of total fish length, spread
across 7 fish. And a *lot* of plants. Plus some wood and rocks.

Do you think there's enough room for another angel fish, or are we asking
for trouble?

Thanks!

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