Angelfish w/ bloated stomach

artgalnj

I have 2 angelfish in a 20g tank. I just started cyclying a new 75g tank yesterday but it's going to take a while for the new tank to be ready for them. I woke up this morning and noticed that one of the angelfish has a bloated stomach (I didn't notice this yesterday). I checked the water parameters and everything is fine (no ammonia, nitrate 20 ppm, nitrite 0, ph 7.4). The angelfish seems to be acting normal and the overall color of the fish looks great. I can't tell if my angelfish is constipated, sick w/ bloat or going to lay eggs. Is there something I should do in the meantime or wait it out and see?

1077

I might withold food for a couple days and in the meantime, purchase some freezedried daphnia to help clean out the fish.After a couple days of fasting,I would then feed sparingly and try the daphnia once or twice a week along with a variety of different foods if your not doing so already. Have seen Angelfish become bloated from animal protein rich diets such as bloodworms,shrimp,krill etc. Could not hurt in my view, to include some vegetable based flake or pellets as well. I try and feed as many different foods as I can afford ,for no one food will keep fish healthy in the long term.

artgalnj

Thanks 1077. The weird thing is that a few days ago I notice something hanging near the anal fin. I did some research and found out it was the papillae, it's pretty visible. I'm wondering if she's going to lay eggs. She's cleaning the leaves on a sword plant and I've read that they do that before they spawn. I'm hoping that's all it is.

1077

AHH, Could very well be. If so,, I might perforn two to three water changes a week once eggs or babies appear to provide cleanest water for thriving young ones.

artgalnj

OMG...she just laid eggs. I guess I know why her belly was so large. I'm not sure what to do next. Guess I better start reading

Herky

Congrats! How old are your angels? I have been observing mine courting from time to time, but no obvious pairings yet...I hope to have the same happen with mine.

Here's a video on angel breeding that might help you out.

YouTube - Documentary - Breeding the Freshwater Angelfish - Part 1 of 2

that's the first part, the second should be easy to find.

artgalnj

I've had them for about 9 or 10 months and they were quarter size when I got them. They started getting very aggressive several days before the eggs were laid. About a week before I saw the two angels sparring and locking lips. The papilla on both fish became noticeable about 5 days before the eggs were laid (I hadn't noticed the papilla prior to that).

Anyway, they must have ate the eggs during the night. When I went to bed (around 11:30 pm) the eggs were still there and they were fanning them like crazy. When I came down the next morning, the eggs were all gone. I don't have a good setup for them right now, they're in a 20 gallon tank. I've just finished setting up a brand new 75 gallon tank that has alot of plants, large driftwood and rocks. I researched SA biotopes and put alot of thought (maybe too much thought) into the new tank. I hope they'll be happy in they're new home when it's safe for them to move in.

Fishin Pole

Congrats on getting them to lay eggs, you now have a proven pair that will probably mate again in the new 75 your setting up for them.........Hopefully you will have better success the next time!......Its nice to hear your have done your homework and are trying to provide a excellent atmosphere for your angels.....Good Luck!

artgalnj

Thanks Fishin Pole. This was my first time (obviously) going through the egg laying process with my fish. I know so many people hope for a breeding pair, and I wasn't even considering it.

I've truly enjoyed researching SA biotopes, in fact I've found it very interesting. I've learned so much about biotopes, substrate, lighting, filters, etc, recently that my head is spinning. I'm sure my angelfish will enjoy having the extra space too. Going from a 20g to a 75g was a big step for me...both size and $$$ wise. I can't believe how much $$$ I've spent (hubby doesn't know either ).

Fishin Pole

I'm glad your doing your research on the fish and the biotope that you would like to create...............I'm sure your angelfish will appreciate the larger home.........As far as your husband goes, just tell him you have been inflicted with MTS (Multi Tank Syndrome)............tell him its nothing serious, but will require you to spend funds and time on your new found hobby!

Good Luck!