Angelfish are members of one of the largest families of vertebrates on Earth. The family Cichlidae is made up of over 1,300 scientifically identified species in 220 different genera. New species are being classified to this family every year. It is estimated that there could be as many as 3,000 individual species that fall within the scientific classification of this family. This family, more commonly known as cichlids, includes oscars, discus and tilapias. Many sources will indicate that angelfish are endemic to the Amazon River in Brazil. While this is true, this species also inhabits both the Orinoco River and Essequibo River systems. Angelfish populations are common throughout Guyana, Venezuela, and Columbia as well as Brazil.

Angelfish are graceful creatures. Angels are without a doubt the most widespread fish among fish lovers throughout the world. Their unique triangular profile unquestionably contributed to their unparalleled popularity. Angelfish are sold in a multitude of color palettes, from solid silver to striped, marbled, black, golden, or Koi. They are without a doubt the most commonly sold fish in department stores and pet shops. Angelfish are ridiculously cheap. Freshwater angels are easy fish to keep fit and vigorous.

While angels will not grow anywhere near the size of an oscar or a discus, they are not a small species. The angels on display in pet shops are generally quite young. Angels commonly reach six inches in diameter when fully grown. They can be kept in a rather small volume of water when they are young. A fully grown angelfish will require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons. A 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Angelfish are non-aggressive. These fish are perfect community dwellers. Angels will, however, view smaller community dwellers as a tempting taste treat. Refrain from keeping them with smaller varieties such as minnows, zebra danios and fancy guppies. You will also want to avoid mixing them with fish like barbs or tetras. Both of these species types are fin nippers by nature. An angelfish's large, full bodied fins will make for an delectable target, too appealing to pass on.

Angelfish are omnivores. Their diet should consist of both plant and animal matter. You will want to make sure to purchase a fish food developed for omnivores as their main staple. A good quality flake food is all you will need to keep your angelfish on top of it game. Many fish hobbyists prefer to provide a variety of nutritional choices in addition to the primary diet. Although this is not strictly mandatory, it is a good practice. You might want to ask yourself; would you want to have the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your life? A varied regimen will help to ensure optimum health. Crushed seaweed sheets make an excellent dietary supplement for omnivores. Protein based supplements like brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms make ideal dietary supplements. If you can not find them fresh, frozen and freeze-dried variations are available commercially.

These fish inhabit South America. They are accustomed to water on the acidic side of the pH scale. A pH factor of 6.8 and temperatures between 72-86 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal environment. In a proper environment an angelfish will live up to 10 years.

Unlike many inhabitants of the Amazon River, these fish do not consume their new born. As a matter of fact, the proud parents are known to stand guard over their eggs through the 3-4 day gestation period. Once they are born, both male and female angelfish will direct their offspring from plant to plant for the next several days. At some predetermined point, the adult's custodial instinct will disappear. The couple will now see their hatchlings as a means of nutrition. The adults should be moved without delay.

Trying to raise any certain species of fish in an aquarium that is not large enough could easily facilitate its death. A savvy fish owner wouldn't consider trying to raise an angel in a 5 gallon desktop nano aquarium. To get more fun filled facts about the world's favorite freshwater aquarium fish go to my online fish guide.