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Angelfish w/ bloated stomach

30K views 14 replies 6 participants last post by  abunari 
#1 ·
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?
 
#2 ·
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.
 
#3 ·
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.
 
#12 · (Edited)
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
That's what most aquarists would have thought up front ....spawn time! But it's good that you took precaution either way; very responsible. Anywhoo, congrats! How are they doing so far?

By the way, where in NJ are you guys located??
 
#6 ·
#7 ·
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. :)
 
#8 ·
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!
 
#9 ·
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 ;-)).
 
#10 ·
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!
 
#11 ·
The funny thing is that whenever I got to my LFS the owner teases me because I'm female and I'm into fish and aquascaping. He tells me it's usually the husband who has to call the wife and says "honey, can I start a new fish tank"? And the wife hangs up on him. Around here it's opposite I guess. I actually started the hobby with my son 3 years ago, but he quickly lost interest and my interest grew. My husband is into cars...that's WAY more expensive then aquascaping...or is it? Sometimes I have to wonder.
 
#13 ·
It was the first time a fish of mine laid eggs. I should have realized it, but I just wanted to be on the safe side. They ate the eggs during the night. Today, she spawned AGAIN only this time she wasn't as bloated looking. I saw the papilla and I knew we were going down the road again. I actually got to see her lay the eggs today. The male follow behind her and ate all the eggs :shock: I've read they'll do that if they're immature. This is only their second time spawing.

I'm located in Somerset County (about 15 miles north of Princeton). Are you familar with NJ?
 
#14 ·
Very cool. To bad you couldn't have video recorded it.

Yep I'm very familiar with NJ. Mostly South Jersey / Philly area (my Fiancee is from Sicklerville /Williamstown area) Born in Philly but she was raised in South NJ. I'll actually be in Sicklerville in about 3 weeks. I'm more familiar with South NJ, but I do frequent north.... way north though (Passaic, Newark, etc.) since I'm in NYC alot. I do know where you're at. SHe has family up in Trenton and we go up there (and Princeton area) when we visit.
 
#15 · (Edited)
I also finally saw one of my angels spawn. I'm not to sure if the second one is a male considering i never saw him/her following behind to fertilize the eggs. although i still have about 6-10 eggs (sadly located on my filter tube) that are still clear after a day or two that may have a small white spot in them. hopefully i get some wigglers off those few so i can confirm that i have both a male and female! I have heard that two females will try to spawn so i am hopefull!

I would love to know details on how you are doing your aquascape. i would like to try the same thing with live plants soon. sadly i got sucked into the colored rocks and fake plants that many newbies do. i have been doing alot of research and would just like to see what others are doing with angels.

thanks

Also i have heard when you artificially hatch these egg to seperate and add methylene blue. are there any other options beside the blue chemical that is less harsh but works just as well?
 
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