jay

transcript

  • [20:02 16/04/2004] <@craig> Good evening everyone! Welcome to this weeks installment of Live Fishchat!
  • [20:02 16/04/2004] <@craig> Tonight our guest is another one of Badmans groupies, JP, speaking on Angel Fish..
  • [20:02 16/04/2004] <@craig> As is usual, please hold your questions until after the presentation.
  • [20:03 16/04/2004] <@craig> JP, fire when ready. :-)
  • [20:03 16/04/2004] <+JP> Thanks Craig.
  • [20:03 16/04/2004] <+JP> Hello there everybody. I am here tonight to talk to you about an absolute favorite fish of mine, the angelfish (Pterophyllum Scalare). I have been keeping fish for roughly three years now and they were the first fish to catch my eye. Their gracefulness and long flowing fins make for a very beautiful fish.
  • [20:04 16/04/2004] <+JP> There are many different varieties of angelfish available out there. Here is a link that gives some information on many different kinds.
  • [20:04 16/04/2004] <+JP> http://www.northcoastangels.com/angelfish_varieties.htm
  • [20:04 16/04/2004] <+JP> I know that everyone has somewhere along the line seen an angelfish, but just to refresh your memory here is a nice picture of a pair.
  • [20:04 16/04/2004] <+JP> http://home.earthlink.net/~photofish/fish_photos/Angelpair2.jpg
  • [20:04 16/04/2004] <+JP> These fascinating cichlids are native to Guianas to the Amazon Basin. Being a cichlid, their personality truly depends on the fish itself. Some can be very peaceful, while others can be aggressive and territorial towards tank mates, including their own kind. Mine are relatively peaceful towards each other and their tank mate"2">ut sometimes they do make it clear who the boss of the tank is.
  • [20:05 16/04/2004] <+JP> I have yet to come across any fish store that does not sell angelfish, nor do I believe there is such a place out there. Just like any other fish, angelfish thrive in a well-balanced tank. I perform weekly (most of the time twice weekly) 50% water changes on my angel tank (55 gallon) and they couldn't seem happier. The tank is planted, which may add to their happiness, but plants, of course, are not a necessity in an aquarium.
  • [20:07 16/04/2004] <+JP> Choosing tank mates may or may not present a bit of a challenge. Again, being cichlids each individual fish has a different personality. Small fish such as neon tetras for example, could end up as a nice snack for the angelfish. On the other hand, the two could get along just fine.
  • [20:08 16/04/2004] <+JP> Of course, stay away from nippy fish such as the tiger barb no matter what. Extremely active fish such as the loach for example, may possibly stress the angelfish and also out compete them for food. Basically what I am saying is keep a close eye on any new fish added to a tank with your angels.
  • [20:09 16/04/2004] <+JP> I do not recommend that only one angel be kept in a tank, even if it's not the only fish in the tank. After personally witnessing how this fish interacts with its own kind, I can see no reason why one would want them to be alone. My two are never more than a few inches apart from one another.
  • [20:10 16/04/2004] <+JP> There is no real way to pick a certain sex out when purchasing them, at least none that I am aware of. The only sure way that I know is to watch them during the spawning process. The best way to get a breeding pair is to start off with around six juveniles and let them pair off naturally, or you could always buy a breeding pair. That may cost you a pretty penny depending on whom you are buying from.
  • [20:12 16/04/2004] <+JP> Here is a link, which shows a picture of an angel during spawning.
  • [20:12 16/04/2004] <+JP> http://websvirginia.com/angels/pairing/spawning.htm
  • [20:12 16/04/2004] <+JP> Average adults can reach a size of four to five inches in length; some could get even a tad bit bigger. All of that depends on tank size and water quality of course. Four to five inches may not sound like much, but it's really their height that needs to be taken into consideration. That is why they should be housed in taller tanks rather than long.
  • [20:13 16/04/2004] <+JP> Angelfish can live off of flake food alone, but will thrive and be much more likely to breed on a better diet. Live foods such as brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, guppy fry, and chopped earthworms can be fed. Frozen blood worms, brine shrimp, and others are available and can be used as substitutions to live food. Dried foods including krill, tubifex worms, and any other available can also be fed.
  • [20:13 16/04/2004] <+JP> Mine get a mixed diet of Wardley's Cichlid Flakes; freeze-dried krill and daphnia, and freeze-dried tubifex worms. I also feed them frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. They also seem to enjoy a piece of lettuce from time to time. I only drop in small pieces since it takes them a long time to eat it the big ones.
  • [20:14 16/04/2004] <+JP> This link provides many different articles about the angelfish. They go deeper in explaining certain aspects that I didn't get into. There are also links to some commercial breeders.
  • [20:14 16/04/2004] <+JP> http://websvirginia.com/angels/moreinfo/
  • [20:15 16/04/2004] <+JP> Although this fish may not be the most active fish in the world, they can make a very nice addition to an aquarium. Just follow the steps and the requirements that I covered above, and you should have success with them.
  • [20:15 16/04/2004] <+JP> That ends my presentation this evening. I hope that I was able to share just a small bit of these fascinating fish with all of you.
  • [20:16 16/04/2004] <@craig> Thanks JP, ready for some questions?
  • [20:16 16/04/2004] <+JP> Sure.
  • [20:16 16/04/2004] <@craig> If you have a question for JP, please type: /query craig I have a question
  • [20:17 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> JP, many people recomend 29 gallons for these fish, what do you think is the best size to keep them in.
  • [20:18 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> and what height is necessary for proper fin growth?
  • [20:19 16/04/2004] <+JP> You know me, I like my fish to have as much space as they can get. I would recommend something bigger than a 29. Not quite sure what the next standard size is. I would think that the 55 gallon tanka (mine is 18 inches) would be sufficient.
  • [20:20 16/04/2004] <@craig> Sam, yet up.
  • [20:20 16/04/2004] <@craig> Yer up too. :-)
  • [20:21 16/04/2004] <@samantha> alright - great job JP, btw... I was curious as to how you obtained your pair. Did you start off with a group or buy a pair?
  • [20:23 16/04/2004] <+JP> I'm beginning to think that I have two females. Was sure at first I had a breeding pair, but have changed my mind....more...
  • [20:24 16/04/2004] <+JP> My black veiltail came from a tank at my father's work. They were taking it down so I snatched her. My gold was a regular purchase at one of my lfs.
  • [20:24 16/04/2004] <@craig> Mark. :-)
  • [20:24 16/04/2004] <+Mark> Regarding varieties... Is it correct that all angelfish belong to the same species? If so, is it hybridizing that accounts for the wide range of colours and sizes? And what about size - I've seen big ones and tiny ones... Will tiny ones become enormous?
  • [20:26 16/04/2004] <+JP> For the species part, I'm really not sure. I haven't looked any of that up. The original wild caught angels were just silver with black stripes. Over time with breeding and everything we are left with all of the varieities we have now. Like any other fish, baby angels will grow up to be...well....big.
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <@craig> Since there don't seem to be any more questions, its open mic time. JP, again, thanks for being here tonight.
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> *applause*
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <+JP> My pleasure.
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> thanks JP :-D
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <@craig> The floor is open. :-)
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <@samantha> Excellent JP :)
  • [20:28 16/04/2004] <Mark> :-D Good show, JP!
  • [20:29 16/04/2004] <+JP> Was there any doubt?
  • [20:29 16/04/2004] <+JP> :D
  • [20:29 16/04/2004] <russ> JP, great presentation :-)
  • [20:29 16/04/2004] <megan> great job jp :D
  • [20:29 16/04/2004] <+JP> Thanks.
  • [20:29 16/04/2004] <russ> JP, what is your favorite color variety of angelfish?
  • [20:30 16/04/2004] <+JP> I really like the regular silver w/ black stripes kind. Not fancy, yet still very good looking.
  • [20:30 16/04/2004] <Mark> Fishbase only lists three species of Pterophyllum. Maybe it is a matter of hybridizing after all.
  • [20:31 16/04/2004] <Mark> Some of them stay small, though, no?
  • [20:31 16/04/2004] <+JP> That's what I figured, just wasn't absoulutely positive.
  • [20:31 16/04/2004] <+JP> From what I know, all angels grow to be the same adult size.
  • [20:32 16/04/2004] <russ> Do not the Altums grow much larger with larger finage?
  • [20:33 16/04/2004] <@samantha> I was just going to ask about the Altums...
  • [20:33 16/04/2004] <+JP> That's a great question Russ.
  • [20:33 16/04/2004] <+JP> You tell me. :D
  • [20:34 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> lol
  • [20:34 16/04/2004] <+JP> I know nothing when it comes to altums. That's why I didn't bring them up in the presentation.
  • [20:35 16/04/2004] <+JP> I hate dogs. Mine just threw up all over the place. I have to brb for a few. Talk amongst yourselves.
  • [20:35 16/04/2004] <russ> I have seen Altums with a finage span of 13 inches ;-)
  • [20:35 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> wow!
  • [20:35 16/04/2004] <@samantha> wow
  • [20:35 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> you'd need one large tank for one of those
  • [20:36 16/04/2004] <@samantha> k - JP, awesome job... I'll be back soon
  • [20:36 16/04/2004] <russ> Jess, I would have to agree with JP on a recomended tank size of at least 55 gal for
  • angels.
  • [20:36 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> k :-)
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <russ> 90 gals for Wild and f1-2 Altums.
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <@craig> I think we should also dispel the myth that angels are slow moving fish too..
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> lol true
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> ever see one chase molly fry around?
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <russ> yes, they are like aligators. Extremely quick for short distances
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <+JP> Did I say they were slow?
  • [20:37 16/04/2004] <@craig> I've seen my bruiser in the 75 take no time getting from one end of my 75 to the other. :-D
  • [20:38 16/04/2004] <@craig> No, JP, you didn't.
  • [20:38 16/04/2004] <+JP> Just checking.
  • [20:38 16/04/2004] <@craig> I just wanted it brought up for the record. ;-)
  • [20:38 16/04/2004] <+JP> 'Cause that would make me deserve to clean up after my dog. Oh yeah....
  • [20:38 16/04/2004] * +JP brb
  • [20:38 16/04/2004] <Parrottheads> i have five young angels in a 55 gallon. Is that too many? Also, one is growing at a slower rate than the others. Is that normal?
  • [20:39 16/04/2004] <russ> In my hatchery I had 20 pair of angels. I selected each pair by their mouth parts ;-)
  • [20:39 16/04/2004] <@craig> Parrottheads: for long term care, yes that is too many.
  • [20:40 16/04/2004] <Parrottheads> Craig, how many then? (for a 55)
  • [20:40 16/04/2004] <@craig> As for growth, all fish grow at different rates, keep a close on the small one for problems though.
  • [20:41 16/04/2004] <@craig> Personally, one pair would be my recommendation.
  • [20:41 16/04/2004] <russ> 55 gals can be used for grow-out tanks for many angels, but when they start to pair off, there may be difficulties for the others
  • [20:42 16/04/2004] <@craig> As JP mentioned, they can grow rather large.
  • [20:43 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> i might also note
  • [20:44 16/04/2004] <@craig> http://www.2cah.com/pets/charangel.JPG -- http://www.2cah.com/pets/blushing.jpg -- are pictures of my two big guys.
  • [20:44 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> (for the record) you can get some angels which are so aggressive that even a 5 foot long 110 gallon tank is too small for more than a pair
  • [20:44 16/04/2004] <@craig> Agreed Jess.
  • [20:45 16/04/2004] <@craig> When starting out my 75 I had a female that killed any other angel in the tank smaller than herself.
  • [20:45 16/04/2004] <+JP> Like I said earlier, cichlids can be very aggresive if they want to. Some are great and peaceful, other aren't.
  • [20:46 16/04/2004] <Parrottheads> Being raised together make any difference?
  • [20:47 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> not always. you never know some just get mean
  • [20:47 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> and some will be very nice to each other... joy of cichlids :-D
  • [20:49 16/04/2004] <Parrottheads> Sounds like a huge correlation between angelfish and some of my sixth grade students
  • [20:49 16/04/2004] <@Jessica> there's a reason people like cichlids :-D
  • [20:49 16/04/2004] <@craig> They can be that way, yes. :-D


 

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