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My Angelfish began breeding
or spawning by laying their
eggs on an algae cleaning tool that was in my aquarium. Because of
their choice of a breeding and spawning site, I was able to remove the tool and attempt
to raise the angelfish fry. Below is a photo gallery with thumbnail images of the spawning
and breeding process;
larger photos can be viewed by clicking.
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| First the angelfish clean the area for several days. This is a good
indicator of future breeding or spawning. |
The
angelfish are very meticulous in assuring a clean spawning site. |
The
spawning process begins with the female laying her eggs in an upward
motion. The male follows similarly and deposits the sperm,
fertilizing the eggs. |
The
breeding process may take a few hours. |
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The "ballet" between the male
and female during the spawning process is nature at its finest. |
After the eggs are placed and
fertilized, the female will "fan" them to keep fresh water flowing around
them as they develop. |
This is a close-up view of the
female keeping the spawn aerated. |
After the eggs are spawned,
the male generally plays "sentry" and chases off any fish that move too
close to the eggs. |
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The male angelfish will also
occasionally move in and fan the eggs for a brief period. |
The ever vigilant male will
continue to chase off other aquarium residents. |
Because of the constant
struggle of keeping other aquarium fish away, the angels may sometimes get
frustrated and eat the spawn. |
Therefore it is best to
separate the eggs from the angelfish in a jar suspended in the aquarium or
in a separate jar with a heater. You must use an aerator stone to
keep fresh water flowing around the eggs. |
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Continue to Gallery 2: for photos of the angelfish fry.
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