Mating

Angels form a pair and are quite loyal to each other. Freshwater types are ready to mate at 8 to 12 months. When the fish couple is ready for spawning, they choose a place in the tank and start to clean it. They lay their eggs on vertical surfaces, such as flat leaves, sheets of glass, PVC pipes, stone cones, and slates, to name a few.

The female angelfish lays her eggs; then, the male fertilizes them. A 15-gallon tank is ideal for a pair. A bare bottom with a sponge filter makes a good setup.

Just like all cichlids, they take care of their young. For a higher survival rate, I suggest removing the eggs and transferring to a separate tank, placing aeration, and adding a few drops of methylene blue solution for fungus prevention. In several days, the eggs hatch and the babies adhere to the surface of the tank and breeding media. They consume the yolk, so no feeding is required. Later, you can feed them egg yolks, commercially available baby fish food, or baby brine shrimps.

The juveniles should be fed three to four times a day, with portions that they can consume in ten minutes (or less if the water is easily polluted).