SereneReyn

i have several baby angels, who have all tripled in size since i got them... with one exception. the 'runt' is about the same size he was when we got him. i always make sure he gets plenty to eat (of a large variety of foods, from flakes to frozen blood worms and brine shrimp, to algae wafers, etc). he's not excessively picked on yet, that i've noticed. he seems active and healthy... water parameters are good. everyone else in the tank seems to be thriving. so why's the lil bugger not getting any bigger?

also... one of my zebra veils has exceptionally long fins (even for a veil) and the two tendril-like ones on the bottom front (my technical vocabulary is somewhat limited, apologies) have kind of a corkscrew/pigtail end on them... i'd take a picture if my digi-cam were worth a darn). they don't seem to inhibit him or anything, tho i've seen them tangle a time or two... what's up with that? again, he seems pretty healthy otherwise. i guess there are worse genetic defects than 'curly tendrils'. lol

RiffDawg15

I think you already answered your own question. He is just the runt of the group. If he is getting enough to eat like you said, isnt showing any signs of disease, and the water parameters are good, then the only thing I can think of is that he is just a runt of the group. Could be something like a midget, but instead its a midget fish not a person.

Im definately not a professional but I cant seem to think of any other reasons why he wouldnt be growing.

Narcicius

me neither, lol, I hope he hits a spurt soon.

COBettaCouple

Maybe you can sneak the 'runt' a little extra bloodworm treat here & there. or krill. You might need to distract the others, but they do seem to learn pretty quick to come up and take the food out of your fingers.

Butterfly

Just like people all fish genetics are a little different. Some angels are little smaller. My veil tails tend to be smaller bodied. If he is getting enough food(sounds like it) and water parameters are good (sounds like it) I would just enjoy him and not worry.

When angelfish are first forming their fins their water has to be absolutely perfect. Any ammonia, Nitrites or Nitrates at all can cause their fins to be twisted or less than perfect in some way. After those fins are formed theres no way to straighten them back out. thats why when I have angel fry they get a bare bottom tank with 50% water changes every day for two months (Yes it's a lot of work but worth it)
Now as for your zebra veil when he was a baby(unless you raised him and you know better) he probably had less than optimal water conditions.
Those are pectoral fins by the way
Carol