How to Choose the Best Natural Seawater Angelfish for Your Aquarium
How to Choose the Best Natural Seawater Angelfish for Your Aquarium
Looking to add a new angelfish to your natural seawater aquarium ? Provided you have enough space and accommodating tank mates, there are a few things you should consider before introducing any random angelfish into your natural seawater tank.
Angelfish are members of the Pomacanthidae family of perciform fishes. There are over 80 species of angelfish with unique characteristics and requirements. Do not assume that all angelfish are the same. Be sure to do your research properly to ensure you are selecting a proper species for your tank with natural sea water. Some species may look very similar in juvenile stages, so be sure you correctly identify your species at a reputable dealer before you bring any fish home. Many angelfish species are wild-caught, depleting natural sea water resources. Whenever possible, purchase from a sustainable dealer, and always check your species against the CITES list to ensure endangered species are not transported illegally.
Angelfish Characteristics to Carefully Consider Adult Size
When it comes to selecting the correct angelfish for your saltwater aquarium with natural sea water, a fish’s adult size should be your primary concern. Some dwarf species of angelfish will only top out at 5 inches (12.5 cm), while others can grow as large as 24 inches (60 cm). Obviously, the larger the angelfish, the more space and resources it will require to be healthy. Remember, all fish start small, so do not think that the cute little angelfish you see in the pet store will stay the same size. Thoroughly research all potential additions to ensure they will be happy and stay healthy in your tank with natural sea water.
Temperament
Typically, the larger the angelfish, the more aggressive they will be, but there are a few species, and even a few individuals within a species, who do not fit that characteristic. Aggressive fish species will require considerably more space, as many are territorial and need tank mates who can hold their own. Certainly, any fish in an overcrowded environment may become aggressive if there is not enough space or food to go around. Signs of aggression in fish include ramming, swimming directly at other fish so they swim away, and knocking others out of the way during feeding.
Diet and Coral Foraging
Although wild angelfish in natural sea water are primarily omnivorous, and most captive individuals are content eating a commercial pellet, some angelfish may start snacking on your saltwater corals. These are more commonly smaller, dwarf species, but not always. If you have live rock instead of corals, you may see your angelfish picking on these occasionally. This is not a health concern for the live rock or the angelfish. Here are some angelfish species that get along better with coral, but don’t expect them all to read the rule book.
Care Level
As with many natural seawater fish species, the care level may vary depending on the species of angelfish you are keeping in natural sea water. Marine fishes, in general, are more challenging to care for than freshwater species, given their narrower water quality tolerances and specific diets. Hardier angelfish species, such as the Flame Angelfish, require moderate care but are one of the easier angelfish species to care for. Expert-only level care angelfish includes the Regal Angelfish and Emperor Angelfish, both large species with big personalities.
Angelfish Species to Consider Dwarf/Small Angelfish Species Smaller angelfish species are typically more outgoing and get along more readily with other fish species in natural sea water. However, this is not always the case, and you may have a small species with a big personality. There is no way to guarantee your fish’s behavior will match the species guideline, so always tread carefully and buy from a reputable facility.