Breeding angelfish

[Sharkluver]

I was assigned a semester-long project for my animal companions class and because I love aquariums I've decided to breed fish. I currently have a 40 gallon tall aquarium and was wondering if I got 5 of the large angelfish from Petsmart if they'd pair off and breed before the semester ends. If not, what would be a good fish to breed? I know cichlids spawn often but I don't have the rockwork and hiding places needed for them or the cash to pay for it. I've already bred livebearers and was hoping for something new.

 

[tlindsey]

I was assigned a semester-long project for my animal companions class and because I love aquariums I've decided to breed fish. I currently have a 40 gallon tall aquarium and was wondering if I got 5 of the large angelfish from Petsmart if they'd pair off and breed before the semester ends. If not, what would be a good fish to breed? I know cichlids spawn often but I don't have the rockwork and hiding places needed for them or the cash to pay for it. I've already bred livebearers and was hoping for something new.

Convict or Kribensis

 

[Sharkluver]

Won't convicts fight in a lightly planted tank with little square footage?

 

[BIG-G]

For a sure thing convicts would be my vote.
Angels can be picky about pairing and spawns are not always guaranteed.
Convicts on the other hand are easy to sex will pair as long as you get male and female and will defend there fry to the death, usually.

 

[Sharkluver]

Sounds good, any recommendations on how to provide them with lots of hiding places on a very tight budget. I've heard that you can make rockwork with expanded polystyrene boards and cement. Can I keep them in a lightly planted tank when they're small then add the rockwork in when they start breeding? I'm planning on keeping the parents for a long time and I want to provide them with a good environment.

 

[YankeeJack]

For breeding convicts - Put in a single clay plant pot, that's all you'll need for convicts. Heck, you could just put in any rock with a flat surface (for them to lay eggs on). The clay pots are good for the pocketbook.

For angels, just put a flat rock, like slate, on an angle - and you'll be fine. They'll probably spawn on the pot too.

For the long term, a lightly planted tank will be fine for the Angels. Just keep up on the water changes

 

[YankeeJack]

Oh, and post pics! We'd love to see your progress and help you get an A+

 

[Sharkluver]

I'll definitely keep you updated I'm SOOOO excited to finally have a tank bigger than 10 gallons. I should have it set up sometime next week if I can get to the store and if my project partner pitches in with cost.

 

[Southjerseycichlidz]

Convicts kribensis would be the way to go or Jewl cichlids in my opinion angel fish could potentially pair off but could take a few times for the male to get going (that’s my experience anyway) takes about two lays to get a full batch. You would need a small tank to raise the babies in great water quality and hatch baby brine shrimp to feed them . Convicts you get a male and female and boom you have babies best of luck to you

 

[Viridis]

+1 for convicts. Super simple to breed, and in my experience, the fry will start on crushed flakes right from the beginning.