David C

I just started having problems with my angels. I have two in a 55gal community tank and theyre over a year old. I havent added any fish to this tank in months and all my parameters are fine, but starting last week one started picking on the other. They've gotten along peacefully this entire time and I know that angels can be aggressive, but I figured it would have manifested itself ages ago, not now. It's to the point that one angel (they're the same size) is showing scale damage where he's being attacked at, ive watched it happen. I have no idea of the sex of either of the angels. Any ideas if something else could be causing the problem?

ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 7
temp 78*
pH 7.8
weekly 10% water changes
planted tank with mopani drift wood

Amanda

They could be 2 males fighting for territory now.

Shawnie

thats normal for angels ...especially around 8-14 months....can you post pics? finding out the sex and if they are just engaging in mating habits or not would be best..usually lip locking and sparing back and fourth happens right before spawning but usually doesnt cause damage per say ...

David C

I'll try and break out the camera and take some shots, give me a little bit. Is there any distinct terrain features they look for to establish territory? Maybe I can add a big rock on each side of the tank or a new piece of driftwood so they can each establish "their" territory?

Shawnie

mine like plants...big leafed silk ones is what I have ..and some big leaf floating type...but driftwood and other things im sure will help ....try to get a good pic if possible of the side view with their finnage on each fish ...goodluck!

aquarist48

Angels I had long ago were very territorial. I think what is happening with yours is normal.

jpshaw55

I have a pair of Angelfish that are doing very similar things. They mated and laid eggs about three months ago but haven't since. In the last couple of days the smaller one has been hiding in the lower corner behind the in-tank filter. I checked water conditions and found the Ph was way low, which I have corrected. But this morning as I fed them I watched and it seems the big angel is harrassing the smaller one. The smaller one has even been getting into the space beneath the filter by laying sideways.

I also have 7 Black Skirt Tetras, 10 Serpae Tetras and a rather large Pleco who mostly hides. I have planted some Amazon Sword plants, and they are growing, but I need more light (which I can't afford).

Any suggestions? I was planning on trying to breed them. I have a 20 long set up and ready to go. It was suggested that I put the Tetras in the 20 long and let the two Angels have the 55 to themselves.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10
Ph 7.2

Jim