Angel fish (Pterophyllum) are probably the most distinctive of the cichlid varieties. The most common variety is the Pterophyllum scalare which is silver with black stripes. It has the shape of a discus fish but instead has elaborate dorsal and anal fins and a long pointed tail that gives it a serene and majestic look as it glides around the tank, possibly like the movement of an angel no doubt. Angel fish need a habitat that has plenty of plant life and rocks in order to truly thrive. The plant life should have large surface area leaves because these species of fish like to spawn on the plant leaves. Angel fish are typically carnivorous in the wild.
How they usually feed is that they tend to drift in the upper to surface levels of water picking off young fish and even insects that might settle on the surface. In an aquarium they will eat angel-fish flakes, bloodworm, shrimp and shrimp brine. Due to inter-breeding and eggs being removed from parents some angel fish will also eat their young. Angel fish diseases are pretty much the same as most other cichlid illnesses. Most diseases are typically introduced by snails that come with plants. It is recommended to thoroughly check any new plants for snails before putting them into the tank. Another cause of disease is from bad water quality. This can lead to stressful fish which in turn can cause illness. Angel fish will complement any fish tank. They exhibit behaviors that make them fascinating to watch for hours. The tank bred varieties are quite resilient and this makes it easier to care for them. Having said this, what you really need to know is how to maintain a fish tank and monitor the water quality.
