5 Reasons Why Did Your Angelfish Disappear

One of the most heartbreaking things that can happen to an aquarist is to lose his dear fish. This can be 10 times harder when you don’t know what exactly happened and why your fish disappeared. 

I know it seems weird that a fish would leave your tank, but there are several reasons why your angels might disappear.

This article will explore some of the most common reasons why fish vanish from aquariums, and we’ll offer some tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future. 

1. Angelfish Hiding

One possible explanation for why your angelfish disappeared is that it is hiding. In their natural habitat, Angel Fish often hide when they are stressed or scared. 

Based on this fact, if your angelfish is unhappy in any way, it may decide to hide between plants, rocks, or whatever and stay hidden until the stress goes away.

When we mention stress, it’s important to know why a fish may get stressed. Actually, there are several reasons that can make your angels unhappy:

a. Overcrowded Tank

Fish get stressed out when they don’t have enough space to swim.

An overcrowded tank can lead to territorial issues between fish, leading to tension and potentially aggressive behavior.

For this reason, you should never overcrowd your tank. Always follow the recommended size parameters for the number of fish you have in a tank, and you’ll avoid this issue.

b. Aggressive Tankmates

If you have other big or aggressive fish in your tank that is bullying your angelfish, then it’s likely hiding somewhere out of sight where it feels safe. That’s why you need to be careful when choosing tankmates. 

What might look like a good fit for your aquarium may end up being the death of your angelfish. 

c. Not Enough Hiding Places

If there are no caves, crevices, or tall plants in your aquarium, then the angelfish won’t feel safe, which will cause it to stress out.

Providing hiding places in a community tank is a great way to make sure your fish is happy and healthy. So keep that in mind if you feel that your angel is suffering from stress.

d. Insufficient Food

Fish need to be fed regularly. If your tank is running out of food, the angelfish may feel hungry and will eventually stress out and fight over the limited food resources.

So don’t forget to feed your fish regularly the amount of food they consume in three minutes.

e. Water Parameters

The angelfish may be hiding to protect itself if the water quality is poor. It will look for a comfortable place to relax, which could be at the bottom of your aquarium among the plants!

Test the water quality with a water test kit and then readjust the parameters if needed.

2. Jumping

Another possible reason why your angelfish disappeared is that the fish jumped out of the tank.

Even if you keep your fish in a 160-gallon tank, there is still a big chance of them jumping out of your aquarium. They are very resourceful fish and can jump out of the tank in a second if they want to.

Haven’t you watched Finding Nemo?

So, before you set up an aquarium, make sure you know how high it is and what type of lid/cover you need to install so there won’t be any surprises. You may also want to cover the opening with mesh wire so it won’t happen again.

3. Death

Obviously, dead fish cannot swim. Once a fish dies, the other fish in the tank will begin feeding on it. It’s not personal; it’s just nature playing its course.

Don’t assume they murdered their former tank mate; they’re simply seizing the chance to dine.

It’s also conceivable that the fish died because it was sick or maybe because of old age. No fish lives forever, and many species have short lifespans.

4. Stolen

Believe it or not, another possible reason why your angelfish disappeared is that it was stolen. This happens more often than you think, especially with smaller fish like angelfish.

If you think your angelfish was stolen, check to see if any of your other fish are missing.

If a number of your other fish are missing, then there is a chance that someone came into your home and stole them while you were gone. If this is the case, consider installing a camera near your aquarium.

5. Serial Disappearances

If your angelfish disappear about every 2 weeks, there might be a serious problem. There are many reasons why multiple fish disappear over time, however, there are two most common causes:

a. Another Fish Is Eating Them

Sometimes when you add new fish to the tank, they might not get along with each other. When this happens, the smaller fish will become prey for the other aggressive tank mates.

b. The Tank Is Uncycled

If you don’t have a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite levels can get high very quickly, leading to the death of your fish.

And as we mentioned, some fish in your tank will not hesitate to eat their dead tankmates leaving no tray behind.

How to Prevent Angelfish from Disappearing?

If you experienced one of these problems, try to solve it as soon as possible. For example, if one of your fish was eaten by a bigger or more voracious tankmate, then remove that fish from the tank.

Further, water quality and diet are both playing a significant role. So it’s critical to keep your fish unstressed since they might be hiding and you don’t know!

Also, if you notice any indicators of a jumping angelfish, such as drops of water on the floor or anything, search for your fish in the room then consider covering your aquarium with a mesh wire.

Here is a youtube guide telling you How to Build a Mesh Screen Top for your Aquarium.

Finally, if you think that your angel is stolen don’t hesitate to install a security camera near your aquarium. It’s the only way to know if it was really stolen or if some other problems appeared.

FAQs

How Often Should I Feed My Angelfish?

You should feed your angelfish three times a day with a small amount of food. If you are not sure how much to feed them, a good rule of thumb is to give them enough food so that they can eat it all in two minutes.

How Do I Know If My Angelfish Is Sick?

There are a few signs that your angelfish may be sick. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, and hiding. If you notice any of these signs, take your fish to the vet for a check-up.

What Are Some Common Angelfish Diseases?

Some common angelfish diseases that affect angelfish include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and parasites. Also, keep an eye out for white spots on the fish, which could be a sign of ich.

How Do I Prevent My Angelfish From Getting Sick?

The best way to prevent your angelfish from getting sick is to keep their tank clean and free of debris.

In addition, you should take care to choose healthy fish when adding to your tank.

Moreover, avoid fish that have visible signs of illness, such as white spots or open sores.

When you add a new fish to your tank, it is also a good idea to quarantine them for a period of two weeks to make sure they are not sick.

What Should I Do If My Angelfish Gets Sick?

If your angelfish does become sick, the first step is to isolate them from the other fish in the tank.

Then, you will need to consult a veterinarian who specializes in fish. They will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication for your fish.

In some cases, you may also need to perform a water change and add extra filtration to the tank.

What Should I Do If My Angelfish Dies?

If your angelfish dies, you should remove it from the tank immediately. You should also clean the tank and all of the fish’s belongings to prevent the spread of disease.

Last Words

Of course, disappearing your angelfish is heartbreaking. But don’t forget that fishkeeping is a rewarding hobby, and you will learn from your mistakes.

Just keep an eye on your fish, do regular water changes, and everything will be fine!

We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or want to share your experience, please leave a comment below!