Are Angelfish terrotorial? Or protective of their mate?

Question

I have had two angelfish for the past 3 months, yesterday i bought a new one and the larger original angel keeps chasing off the new angel?? Any ideas?

Answer 1

you will have a dead angel..take it back and if anything get store credit they are even picky with bottom fish.

If you have happy tank..leave it alone! My experience.

If you want different fish..get another tank!

Answer 2

Yes, despite their name, Angelfish can be extremely aggressive and territorial. At worst you may find that one of the Angelfish eats the new arrival :-O

You were lucky that your 2 original fish were compatible in the first place.

I would say remove the new arrival and take it back to the shop where you bought it before it gets attacked.

If you do want more fish, ask your pet shop owner if there are any fish that do not bother Angels as much. Perhaps they won't have such a problem with smaller tropical fish. You could get a small shoal of those pretty ones with luminous spines if you are looking for an attractive aquarium.

Answer 3

Angelfish ARE very terrotorial. It is never a good idea to add fish to established tanks such as your own.

You could try buying another angel so their wouldn't be a "sole intruder." also try rearranging the aquarium decor (it may break the fishes territorial boundaries)

This all may be really usless however. I agree that you shouldn't risk over stocking or damage to the fish, and return it to the store.

Rule of thumb for your next venture, buy all new fish within one month or less. Even among more social fish, aggression can occur when an outsider is introduced

Answer 4

Yes.They get worse as they age and grow...........Watch out!