angelfish

[lpstong]

I would love to have angelfish. I know to have atleast a 20 gallon tank. But I have heard that trying to determine the sex on the angelfish is hard. Is there a way to find out the sex before buying the fish? And I also heard some fish stores have hybrid angelfish? Is there a way i can find out if I am getting a true angel?

[William]

II would say that it is very hard to find out the sex before buying them unless you by a breeding pair in which case you will be sure to get a pair.

The best way to get a pure angel is to buy from a reputable breeder or to buy wild caught fish.

[dusko]

Is it possible for an angel with damaged gills to get better in good conditions? Its been two weeks since I bought two of gold angels and the "one" is going every now and than to the surface and sucks the air from the top poking its nose out. The gills are a little bit more open than in the other one. They eat well and swim together on all levels. My tank is 180 liter Juwel Rio with lots of fast growing plants. Water is ok,no amm and no nitrite. Water change every week 25% conditioned with Sera Aquatan. Others kept are 12 Cardinals, 2 SAE, 2 OTO and 5 Amano shrimps. KH is medium pH 7.5 and temp 27-28'C. Two pieces of bog-wood. The Angels are about 7cm. The gills could be damaged before I bought it by nitrites at the pet shop. Is it possible? Thanks.

[William]

Hi
The Angels problem is most likely a birth defect and it will not improve but better wter conditions and more oxygen in the water will make it easier for it to live with its defect without suffering from it and having to surface for air.