Angelfish Behavior Normal Or Aggressive?

So I finally, FINALLY, got my castiel moved into the 37 gallon tank. It also has 4 adult swordtails in it, and some babies...which of course showed up on the morning I was moving him. He has definitely tried to eat some babies, idk if he has succeeded or not. Probably has. Anyway, he does this thing where if a sword gets too close, he turns almost completely horizontal and darts at them. He doesn't continue to chase them. And as far as I can tell no one has been injured. Is this normal? He has been alone for almost 3 years until now. So he probably doesn't like sharing his space. But I find the swimming horizontal very odd, and wonder if that is normal?

 

Totally normal aggressive behavior. That is exactly what they do. But I am very surprised he is doing it to swordtails. In my experience, with MANY different angels, they only display that sort of behavior towards other angels. And almost always when they are in spawning mode or establishing territory. He is brand new in the tank, so he is likely establishing his dominance over the swordtails. (again, usually something they do with other angels) I bet he is letting them know whose boss and the aggression will settle down once the swordtails learn whose in charge!

I suppose after 3 years, a fish could easily be shocked and confused by the presence of other fish....So maybe it is simply that he is used to be alone!

But I am leaning towards him establishing his dominance of the new tank. That is common behavior that almost always settles down once the pecking order is established.

 

I figured it was something having to do with him saying hey I'm top dog here. But the swimming horizontal? This is a thing angelfish just do?

 

I figured it was something having to do with him saying hey I'm top dog here. But the swimming horizontal? This is a thing angelfish just do?

Yep!! I think they feel they look bigger and more intimidating when sideways.

I've had them dart sideways across a 4 foot tank going to attack another Angel. Its kinda creepy looking! Lol

 

Yep!! I think they feel they look bigger and more intimidating when sideways.

I've had them dart sideways across a 4 foot tank going to attack another Angel. Its kinda creepy looking! Lol

Whoa! It is so weird to see them swim that way. Like, it seems wrong. Lol!

 

I've had them dart sideways across a 4 foot tank going to attack another Angel. Its kinda creepy looking!

My largest female does it to the smaller Angels in the tank, what always amazes me is just how fast they will cross from one side of a tank to the other.

 

My largest female does it to the smaller Angels in the tank, what always amazes me is just how fast they will cross from one side of a tank to the other.

I know right! They totally dart across the tank like maniacs!! Lol