Angelfish Fry 101: Care, Food, Growth, Survival Rate & More

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Raising Angelfish fry can be challenging, even for those with years of experience. If you’re new to the world of fishkeeping, caring for Angelfish fry can be filled with questions.

How do you take care of these delicate little fish? What should you feed them? How often do they need to eat? Should you separate them from their parents? And what kind of equipment is needed?

In this article, I’ll answer all these questions and more, so you leave with all the information you need. Let’s get started.

For those who need a quick reference, here’s a table that summarizes the key information about Angelfish fry:

Parameter	Details
Tank Size	10-20 gallons initially, larger as they grow
Equipment	Sponge filter, air-driven filter, heater, moderate lighting
pH Level	6.8 to 7.0
Temperature	26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F)
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard
Ammonia	As close to 0 ppm as possible
Nitrite	As close to 0 ppm as possible
Nitrate	Less than 20 ppm
Types of Food	Infusoria, brine shrimp, microworms, crushed flake food
Feeding Frequency	3-4 times daily in small amounts
Separation Duration	Until capable of competing with adult fish, varies
Survival Rate	60-70% in optimal conditions, as low as 20-30% in community tanks
Growth Stages	Hatching, Free-Swimming, Juvenile, Sub-Adult, Maturation

Also Read: Angelfish Care Guide

The Angelfish Breeding Process

Breeding angelfish is a fascinating yet meticulous process that requires careful observation and specific conditions.

Once a pair forms, they need a conducive environment to spawn, typically laying hundreds of eggs.

Pair Formation: Angelfish are selective when choosing mates, often pairing for life. They exhibit courtship behaviors like nipping and following each other around the tank, signaling readiness to breed.
Spawning Site: A flat, vertical surface is preferred for egg laying; many breeders use slate or a broad leaf. I was able to successfully breed my angelfish using this AQUA Angelfish Breeding Cone (link to Amazon).
Egg Laying: The female angelfish can lay up to 200-400 eggs in a carefully arranged line. She’s followed by the male, who fertilizes the eggs, a process repeated until all eggs are laid.
Parental Care: Both parents vigorously protect and tend the eggs, fanning them for oxygen and removing unfertilized ones. This parental diligence lasts until the fry become free-swimming.

Also Read: Angelfish Breeding Guide

How to Hatch Angelfish Eggs

Hatching angelfish eggs involves providing optimal water conditions and vigilant care post-spawning.

Eggs hatch in about 60 hours at 27°C (80°F), with the fry becoming free-swimming in a week.

Water Quality: Maintain water temperature at 27°C and pH levels around 6.8-7.0. Stability in these parameters is critical to prevent fungal growth and ensure healthy egg development.
Fungus Prevention: To prevent fungal infection, which is deadly to eggs, add a mild antifungal agent. Some breeders use methylene blue, adding it just after spawning.
Egg Removal (Optional): Some breeders remove eggs to a separate hatching tank to avoid parental predation. This requires a gentle hand and a similar water environment as the main tank.
First Feeding: Once free-swimming, feed the fry with micro foods like infusoria or specially designed fry food. Consistent feeding, 3-4 times daily, supports healthy growth and development.

How to Care for Angelfish Fry?

Caring for Angelfish fry involves several central steps. Here’s what you should do:

1. Maintain Optimal Water Quality

Caring for angelfish fry begins with maintaining optimal water conditions. Stable temperature and pH levels are crucial for their development and survival.

Stable Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F). This range supports healthy growth and reduces stress in the young fry.
pH Levels: Maintain a pH level between 6.8 and 7.0. Consistent pH levels prevent shock to the delicate systems of the fry and promote healthy growth.
Low Nitrate Levels: Ensure nitrate levels stay below 20 ppm. High nitrates can be toxic to fry, hindering their growth and compromising their immune systems.

2. Provide Adequate Nutrition

Proper feeding is essential for the growth of angelfish fry. They require frequent feedings of high-quality, small-sized food.

High Protein Diet: Feed them specialized fry food or freshly hatched brine shrimp. These foods are rich in protein, vital for growth and development in the early stages.
Frequent Feeding: Feed the fry small amounts 3-4 times a day. Consistent, small feedings ensure they receive adequate nutrition without overloading the water with waste.
Gradual Diet Change: As they grow, gradually introduce finely crushed flake food. This transition helps them adapt to the diet they’ll consume as adults. My recommendation: TetraCichlid Cichlid Flakes (link to Amazon).

3. Ensure Safe Tank Environment

A safe and appropriate tank environment is vital for the wellbeing of angelfish fry.

Tank Size and Setup: Start with a smaller tank (10-20 gallons) to keep fry separate from larger fish. A smaller tank simplifies monitoring and care during their early life stages.
Avoid Strong Currents: Use a sponge filter or an air-driven filter to provide gentle water flow. Strong currents can stress or harm the fragile fry.
Hiding Places: Include plants or safe decorations for fry to hide. These provide a sense of security and mimic their natural environment.

4. Perform Regular Water Changes

Regular water changes are critical to maintaining a healthy environment for angelfish fry.

Frequent Small Changes: Perform 10-15% water changes every few days. This helps maintain water quality without causing drastic changes that could stress the fry.
Remove Waste Promptly: Use a turkey baster or gentle siphon to remove uneaten food and waste. Keeping the tank clean prevents harmful ammonia and nitrate buildup.
Temperature Consistency: Ensure new water matches the tank’s temperature. Sudden temperature changes can be harmful or even fatal to fry.

5. Monitor Health and Growth

Regular monitoring of the fry’s health and growth ensures they are developing properly.

Observe Behavior: Watch for active swimming and a healthy appetite. These are good indicators of the fry’s overall health and wellbeing.
Growth Tracking: Keep track of their growth rates. Healthy fry should show steady growth and development, transitioning smoothly as they age.
Watch for Illness: Be vigilant for signs of disease like lethargy or discoloration. Early detection and treatment of illness are crucial for the survival of fry.

Also Read: How To Keep Angelfish Fry Alive

Is It Necessary to Separate the Parents from the Breeding Tank?

No, it is not strictly necessary to separate the parents from the breeding tank.

Many angelfish parents will naturally care for their eggs and fry, providing essential care like cleaning and protecting them.

However, if the parents show signs of eating their eggs or fry, or if there are concerns about aggression, then separation might be necessary for the fry’s survival.

Also Read: Do Angelfish Care For Their Young?

What Equipment Do Angelfish Fry Need?

Angelfish fry require specific equipment to ensure a safe and healthy growing environment. The right setup includes a suitable tank, appropriate filtration, heating, and adequate lighting.

Suitable Tank: A smaller tank, around 10-20 gallons, is ideal for angelfish fry. This size makes it easier to control water quality and monitor the fry closely.
Gentle Filtration: Use a sponge filter or air-driven filter to provide gentle water flow. These filters prevent strong currents that can stress the fry and also help with biological filtration.
Consistent Heating: A reliable aquarium heater is necessary to maintain a stable temperature, ideally between 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F). This range is crucial for healthy fry development.
Adequate Lighting: Moderate lighting conditions mimic natural environments and help maintain a regular day-night cycle. It’s also beneficial for live plants, which improve water quality and provide hiding spots.

Here’s the gear that I use to grow fish fry properly:

What Do Angelfish Fry Eat?

Angelfish fry require a diet rich in protein and nutrients to support their rapid growth.

As they develop, their dietary needs change, starting from microscopic food and gradually progressing to larger items.

Infusoria: Fry feed on microscopic organisms like infusoria initially. These provide the necessary nutrients and are suitable for their small mouths.
Newly Hatched Brine Shrimp: Once capable, fry can be introduced to newly hatched brine shrimp. This food is nutritious and supports healthy growth during their developmental stages.
Microworms: As fry grow, they can start consuming microworms, which are slightly larger. Microworms continue to provide the necessary protein for the growing fry.
Crushed Flake Food: Eventually, the fry transition to finely crushed flake food or small pellets. This change is crucial in preparing them for the diet they will consume as adults.

How to Feed Angelfish Babies

Feeding angelfish fry requires a balanced approach, starting with microscopic foods and gradually moving to larger, more substantial meals as they grow.

The key is to provide nutrient-rich food in appropriate sizes and frequencies to support their development.

Here’s a concise table summarizing the feeding guidelines for angelfish fry:

Food Type	Age	Feeding Instructions
Infusoria	0-3 days	Feed for the first 3-4 days, can be cultured at home or bought.
Brine Shrimp	Day 5 onwards	Introduce on day 5, use a pipette for small amounts.
Microworms	2 weeks onwards	Include in diet after two weeks, supports growing needs.
Crushed Flake Food	4-6 weeks onwards	Begin at 4-6 weeks, monitor if they can consume easily.

Start with Infusoria: Begin feeding with infusoria, tiny organisms, for the first 3-4 days. These can be cultured at home or bought, providing essential nutrients for newborn fry.
Introduce Brine Shrimp: On day 5, introduce newly hatched brine shrimp, a rich protein source. Use a pipette to add a small amount, ensuring all fry have access.
Frequency of Feeding: Feed small quantities 3-4 times daily to maintain consistent nutrient levels. Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality degradation.
Transition to Microworms: After two weeks, include microworms, another protein source, in their diet. This transition supports their growing bodies and increasing nutritional needs.
Gradually Increase Food Size: At 4-6 weeks, start with finely crushed flake food, a step towards their adult diet. Monitor their response to ensure they can consume it easily.
Observe and Adjust: Watch their eating habits, adjusting the food amount to avoid waste and overfeeding. Consistent observation helps tailor their diet to their growth needs.

How Many Fry Can an Angelfish Have?

An angelfish can lay a significant number of eggs, typically ranging from 100 to 1000 eggs per spawning cycle.

However, not all of these eggs will successfully hatch and develop into fry.

The actual number of fry an angelfish can have varies depending on factors like the health of the parents, water conditions, and the care provided to the eggs and fry.

What Are the Angelfish Fry Growth Stages?

Understanding the growth stages of angelfish fry is key to providing the right care at each stage of their development.

These stages range from the initial hatching period to their maturation into juvenile angelfish, each with distinct characteristics and care requirements.

Hatching Stage (0-3 days): Immediately after hatching, fry are in their larval stage, feeding off their yolk sacs. They are immobile and cling to the spawning surface, gradually absorbing their yolk.
Free-Swimming Stage (5-12 days): Once the yolk sac is absorbed, the fry begin to swim freely. This is when they start feeding on infusoria or liquid fry food, marking the beginning of active feeding.
Juvenile Stage (2-8 weeks): As they grow, the fry start to resemble miniature adult angelfish. They should be transitioned to brine shrimp and later to crushed flake food or small pellets.
Sub-Adult Stage (2-6 months): At this stage, they have developed full finnage and distinct patterns. The diet can be varied more, including larger foods appropriate for adult angelfish.
Maturation Stage (6-12 months): Angelfish are considered mature at around 6-12 months. They reach sexual maturity and can start showing signs of pairing and territorial behavior.

Also Read: How Long Do Angelfish Fry Take To Grow?

Can Angelfish Fry Survive in the Main Tank?

Angelfish fry can indeed survive in the main tank, though it presents certain challenges.

Ensuring their safety and access to food requires careful tank management and modifications.

Risk from Adult Fish: Fry in a community tank face danger from adult fish, including being eaten. Providing ample hiding spaces or a nursery area within the tank is essential for their protection.
Filtration System Hazards: Standard filters can harm fry, who might get sucked into the intake. Use sponge filters or cover intakes with mesh to safeguard the fry.
Food Accessibility: In a large tank, ensuring fry get enough food is tricky, as other fish may eat it first. Targeted feeding in specific tank areas helps ensure the fry receive adequate nutrition.

Also Read: Will Angelfish Fry Survive In A Community Tank?

What is the Survival Rate of Baby Angelfish?

The survival rate of baby angelfish, or fry, can vary widely depending on the conditions of their environment and the care they receive.

In optimal conditions with proper care, the survival rate can be quite high, often exceeding 60-70%.

However, in less ideal conditions or in community tanks where predation and competition are factors, the survival rate can drop significantly, sometimes to as low as 20-30%.

Also Read: Angelfish Tank Mates

Conclusions

For quick readers, here’s a short summary:

Angelfish breeding requires a specific environment, and successful spawning can result in 200-400 eggs, with both parents actively involved in egg care.
To hatch angelfish eggs, maintain optimal water conditions (27°C, pH 6.8-7.0) and use mild antifungal agents to prevent infections.
Angelfish fry care involves maintaining stable water conditions, offering high protein food 3-4 times daily, and ensuring a safe tank environment.
Proper angelfish fry development through stages requires appropriate feeding and care, transitioning from infusoria to crushed flake food as they grow.
The survival rate of angelfish fry varies, but with optimal care and environment, it can exceed 60-70%, though risks in community tanks can lower this rate.