Annadvn

I bought 12 angel fish as dime size babies a while ago, now they have got bigger (biggest 3.5" smallest 2") and are beginning to fight amongst them selves. I'm hoping a few pairs will come out of it, but was wondering at what point i need to separate them.

They are currently in a 125g tank with a few other community fish, they have not been damaging each other its still more of threatening and establishing territories.

I have tanks for them to go into once they have paired up or are too aggressive and need to be removed from the tank or any other reason they need to be separated.

What signs to i need to watch for so i know when to separate them? Should i expect them to fight to death?

Thanks in advance for replies

Anna

Matt

Its good to hear they are getting along well and growing at a nice pace. I doubt they will fight to the death but if fins are being nipped and fish are lying on gravel by themselves then remove them and let them recover by themselves or with a non-aggresive tankmate in a spare tank.

Hope That Helps.

Butterfly

If you see any bullying then the one(ones) being bullied need to be moved. Sometimes you will have deaths if they aren't closely observed and action taken if it gets serious. Usually angelfish are sexually mature and able to spawn about 7-8 months old, and when they pair they can be very territorial and vicious if they feel threatened.
Yours sound like they are about 4 months old and will pick and peck to establish heirarchy but no damage is being done I would watch but not worry Hope that helps.
Carol

Annadvn

Thanks Butterfly, that's exactly whats going on. Good to know i have a few more months before they start pairing and becoming really aggressive. At that point the pair i keep will be in a 200g tank, so should have space they need. I might move some of the smaller ones shortly to another tank so they can catch up in size and leave the bigger ones to it.

Thanks Matt as well.

Anna

Matt

Inspirational words Carol

It is so cool when fish breed

Matt

No problem Anna.

I am always willing to help and always love it when my advice is needed

Shawnie

Hi anna....I would leave them be unless you see major agression...they usually make a bonded pair at about 3-4 months....your tank is big enough where it shouldnt be an issue ...can you tell the fems from the boyz? and have any paired up yet? my pair didnt mind other angels until they were almost 6 months old....

EDIT: there want any answers when I was posting..but forgot to hit the send button LOL

Matt

Good advice Shawnie

Annadvn

Ok, so they might be beginning to pair up, if Butterfly is correct guessing they are about 4 months old (which i'm sure she is!).

I see 2 hanging out together and when i think they they are pairing up the next day they are hanging out with other ones!

I think they are spoilt having a 125g tank to grow up into!

I keep looking at them to try and see a bump in the head for the males but in all honesty i'm useless at sexing fish unless they are dimorphic or have a neon sign saying female or male (not including bettas in that).

Anna

Butterfly

It's ok I can't either until they spawn and I've been looking at them for years LOL Shawnie is just good at looking at them and telling
Carol

Shawnie

if you can get some pics, ill do my best...but all my knowledge came from miss carol..who doesnt give herself ALL the credit she deserves ...would love to see some pics tho!

Butterfly

Anna have you looked at this?
Sexing Angelfish
Carol

Annadvn

I remember reading it before you deleted it and reposted it

I think i can see bumps on some and not others.

Shawnie i will try and send you pictures of them side on, all of them if they cooperate!

Anna