30+ Cool Facts About Angelfish
Do you know that angelfish can change color to match their surroundings? Or that freshwater angelfish sometimes change gender to get ahead in the social hierarchy?
These are just some of the fascinating things about these beautiful fish! Angelfish have a lot of other interesting facts that you might not know.
This article will look at some of the most interesting angelfish facts.
Angelfish Distribution, Population, and Habitat
Distribution
- Angelfish live in the Indian, Atlantic, and Western Pacific Oceans.
- Marine angelfish don’t migrate and dwell in a warm, saline water environment.
- You may discover them near coral reefs in shallow water in the Caribbean.
- These fish live in warm tropical seas, such as the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indo-Pacific.
Population
- It isn’t easy to establish a specific population for these fish.
- Most species have a Least Concern conservation status, indicating that the numbers are stable.
Habitat
- Angelfish are mainly found in tropical and subtropical seas. Marine angelfish inhabit areas with dense aquatic vegetation and coral reefs.
- Marine angelfish are usually found in pairs or small groups, swimming near the bottom of the sea.
- Angelfish prefer to reside in sheltered areas where there is little water movement.
- Marine angelfish are not usually found in open water.

Angelfish Come in a Wide Range of Hues
An angelfish’s color is usually red, blue, green, black, or yellow. Some marine angelfish have scales with swirling colorful patterns on them, while others have stripes, and still, others are mostly colored black.
Most of these fish are brightly colored, so you would believe saltwater fish would be simple for predators to detect.
Marine Angelfish can also blend in with their brightly colored coral reef surroundings, including bright red rocks, algae, and other elements.
Freshwater fish Have a Thin, Flat Body
Angelfish have a thin, flat bodies with curved dorsal and anal fins. Marine angelfish have feathery pectoral fins along with dark eyes and a tiny mouth.
The small, flat body of the fish allows it to slither into hard-to-reach places, allowing it to escape some predators.
Most Angelfish Are 8 to 12 Inches Long
Most angelfish are 8 to 12 inches long and weigh up to 2 pounds. Of course, there are some species that are smaller or larger. For example, koi angelfish grow to be just 6 inches long.
On the other side, the gray angelfish is the largest species. This fish grows to be 24 inches in length and can weigh up to 4 pounds.
There Are Many Different Varieties of Angelfish
Emperor Angelfish Is One of the Favorites of Photographers and Artists.
The Emperor angelfish is a species of angelfish that lives in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Red Sea to Hawaii and the Austral Islands.
These angelfish symbols are one of the most popular aquarium fish, with their striking and beautiful color scheme.
Queen Angelfish Commonly Live in the Western Atlantic Ocean
Queen angelfish are beautiful, colorful fish that live in the western Atlantic Ocean and can be found near coral reefs.
This species is one of the most beautiful aquatic creatures due to its brilliant blue body, yellowtails, and orange and light purple highlights.
Koi Angelfish Is One the Most Popular Variety of Angelfish
The black, white, and gold to the orange coloration of the koi angelfish are fantastic. Unlike other fish or types of angelfish, Koi angelfish have very thin and tall bodies.
Koi angels also prefer planted aquariums with rock formations and a slow flow.
Panda Angelfish Is a Famous Variant of Angelfish
The distinctive coloration of the panda angelfish is one of its most remarkable features. Their body pattern varies, although freshwater angelfish are generally known for having a white body with black splotches.
The Panda angelfish is a peaceful fish, although it may be territorial and eat any other fish in the tank that does not have enough room.
Marble Angelfish Has Black, White, and Yellow Patterns
The markings of a marble angelfish are white, black, and yellow in appearance. It also has long, thin, and delicate-looking fins.

Angelfish Are Active Swimmers by Nature
Angelfish are one of the most active types of fish. Freshwater angelfish like to swim around and explore their surroundings.
This means these freshwater angelfish need lots of space in the aquarium, and freshwater angelfish do not do well in tanks with low water movement.
Angelfish Is Susceptible to Ich Parasite
Ich, also known as white spot disease, is a prevalent parasite that infects fish. The parasite may spread from one fish to the next, beginning with one and progressing to the next.
Before emerging, the tapeworm spends much of its life within the fish’s body. Some reasons include overcrowding, poor nutrition, and bad living conditions, which might result in infection.
Here is a guide on how to treat ich.
Angelfish Are Hesitant
Angelfish are frequently frightened by the tiniest change in their habitat, so any abrupt noise or movement scares them.
Angelfish Have Mating Habits
During breeding, freshwater angelfish frequently join up to form a stable relationship. Aside from these couples being parental partners, they also collaborate to defend their homes from intruders.
Angelfish Are Voracious Eaters
Angelfish are omnivores, so they’ll chow down on both plants and animals. They’ll consume just about anything that can fit into their mouths, such as smaller sea creatures.
Most Angelfish Are Reef Safe
They do not harm or displace the live plants in their tank. They neither consume them nor dislike them.
Instead, they utilize them as hiding and resting places and a representation of their natural habitat.
Angelfish Are Egg Layers
Angelfish deposit their eggs on a flat surface. The male then guards the eggs until they hatch, typically taking about three days.

People Do Not Like Eating Angelfish
These fish are not actively sought after by commercial fisheries. They may, however, be taken and sold to pet shops and breeders on rare occasions.
People do not like eating these fish because parasites and germs may be present in them, which might be harmful to people who consume them.
Angelfish Can Lay from 100 to 1200 Eggs
An angelfish may lay between 100 and 1,200 eggs in one laying, depending on the kind of angelfish.
If egg removal is immediately done after a pair of angelfish lays eggs, they can create new eggs every two weeks.
Both Male and Female Angelfish Take Care of Their Fry
Angelfish, both male and female, look after their fry. Most of the time, female angelfish lay eggs on broadleaf plants in the aquarium or glass wall of the tank.
The male angelfish will fertilize the line of eggs that have been laid. The process will repeat until approximately 100 to 1,200 eggs are deposited.
The parents together nurture their youngsters throughout development, and they swim extremely close to the eggs to maintain a high rate of water circulation.
After hatching, the fry remains on the surface and survives by eating the yolk sac residue.
Angelfish Are Vulnerable to Gill Flukes
Gill flukes are a parasitic illness that affects fish’s skin and gills. This is generally caused by stress and poor tank conditions.
The parasites may enter the skin of angelfish, causing ulcers and infection.
Angelfish might exhibit red skin, breathing difficulties, and gills that appear chewed or shredded when infected.
Angelfish Prefer Water Temperature Between 78°F and 84°F
Although they prefer warmer water, angelfish bred in captivity can adapt to a wide range of water temperatures.
Water temperature should ideally be maintained at 78°F to 84°F (25°C to 28.8°C). It is also crucial to maintain the pH level of the water between 6.8 and 7.8.
Male Angelfish Has Forehead Bump While Female Doesn’t Have
It’s difficult to tell the difference between male and female angelfish. However, male angels have a bump on their foreheads, but females do not.
Also, the belly ventral fin of the female angelfish is smoother and rounder than that of males, which has forked ventral fins that resemble a Y-shape.
One of the Most Expensive Species of Angelfish Costs around $30,000
The Peppermint Angelfish is one of the most expensive angelfish price species, with an average cost of $30,000. This angelfish is found in the reefs of the eastern-central Pacific Ocean.
It’s a bright orange creature with five white stripes on its oval-shaped body and reaches heights of up to 7 centimeters, or 2.8 inches.
An inch of peppermint is worth over $10,000! That is remarkable!
Young Freshwater Angelfish Are Members of the Cichlid Family
The angelfish is a freshwater angelfish that hails from South America and belongs to the cichlid family.
Other prominent fish in this category include Oscars, Jack Dempseys, parrotfish, and discus.
Fish That Are at Least 2 Inches in Size Would Be the Best Tankmates for Angelfish
Angelfish need suitable tank mates that are not too small or too big. If the fish is too small, the angelfish will see it as food. If the fish is too big, it might bully or intimidate the angelfish.
So, the ideal tank mates for angelfish are fish that are at least 2 inches in size.

Angelfish’s Best Tank Mate Can Be Corydoras Catfish
The Corydoras Catfish is one of the most compatible angelfish tank mates.
Corydoras Catfish has a long historical background in South America. They prefer to stay in the lower half of the aquarium, whereas marine angelfish prefer to reside on the middle level. Thus freshwater angelfish will not engage with one another.
Other fish species, such as Dwarf Gourami, Boesemani Rainbowfish, and Praecox Rainbowfish, can also be good tankmates for angelfish.
Angelfish Tendency to Be Violent
These fish are frequently associated with community fish and may coexist with various other tropical species.
The following are some of the behaviors that can be aggressive:
Angels become more aggressive and territorial as marine angelfish advance in age. As a result, it’s usually advantageous to house them in their own tank as adults.
These freshwater angelfish are also known for being aggressive with one another during breeding seasons. Males may fight with other males over females, and females can be combative when defending their young from male and female angelfish looking for a snack.
Angelfish Has a Pretty Long Lifespan
The angelfish lifespan in captivity is around 10 years. This is a pretty long lifespan for a fish, and it’s one reason why angelfish make such great pets.
Angelfish Jaw Has No Teeth
Marine angelfish has no teeth in the jaw. Instead, their teeth are found in the back of their mouth.
The Red Eyes of Angelfish Is a Maturity Indicator
The red eyes of angelfish are an indication of their health and maturity. However, not all angelfish have red eyes.
Angelfish Have No Bones
Because angelfish are not vertebrates, freshwater angelfish do not have bones.
Angelfish Have Different Moods and Personalities
Like people, angelfish have different moods and personalities. Some marine angelfish are curious and playful, while others are more shy and reserved.
Angelfish Recognize Their Owners
Freshwater angelfish can distinguish their owners’ faces. These species also can remember their owners’ faces for months or even years after they have last seen them.
Angelfish Ventral Fins Help Them Swimming
The ventral fins are located on the fish’s underside, just behind the gills. These fins help the fish to move forwards and backward, as well as to turn.
Last Words
Angelfish are a beautiful addition to any aquarium. They are interesting creatures that have many unique features.
If you’re thinking about getting an angelfish, be sure to do your research first to provide the best possible care for them.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you still have questions about marine angelfish, share them with us in the comment section below.