Gold Angelfish 4.5cm

Gold Angelfish

Though there are so many strains of angelfish colours with new variations constantly being developed by breeders, the gold angelfish is still one of the most popular and age-old classics. Its simplicity of colours and availability have kept this strain at peak popularity with no signs of slowing down. Angelfish in general are one of the most recognisable aquarium fish species and are actually members of the cichlid family. Unlike most cichlids which are recognised as being aggressive species which are not suitable in community aquariums, the angelfish is the stark opposite of this. They make for great centrepiece fish in community aquariums and are very easy to keep. 

Gold angelfish could not have a better fitting name. These fish have a stunning, metallic gold sheen that wraps the body and is especially prevalent near the nape of the fish. Depending on the genetics of each fish the level of gold can vary but for the most part, they start with this shining yellow colour and transition to a platinum white near the belly region. Angelfish are one of the first species that aquarists will breed because of how proficiently these fish spawn in the aquarium. A lot of fun can be had experimenting with colours and genetics in these fish trying to deepen the gold or introduce new patterns. Different strains can be kept together as well to create a stunning mixed angelfish aquarium. These angelfish fall into the scalare species meaning they can get fairly big however they have a very slim profile, almost looking like an arrowhead gliding in the aquarium. 

Trying to find the males and females in not only the gold angel but angelfish, in general, is somewhat difficult when they are small, however dominant males will develop a small hump on their heads. One can be 100% certain only when a breeding pair is formed. The best way to ensure this happens is to start with a small group of 5-6 fish and let them pair off naturally. Gold angelfish are not found in the wild as they are a captive bred and man-made colour variation however the angelfish in general is from South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Gold Angelfish 

As the gold angel is a colour variation of the common scalare angelfish species meaning it has the same aquarium needs of any other angelfish variety. At full adult size they reach around 15 cm long and a decent 20 cm tall, because of this they would need to be kept in a tank that is at least 100 litres. 

Gold angelfish are not exactly a solitary species and should be kept in mated pairs or shoals. However they will need space as they can be territorial at times, so having a good footprint in the aquarium is always best. A sand or gravel substrate is perfectly fine, but a well-planted aquarium with lots of branching driftwood and rock will be greatly appreciated by these angelfish. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The gold angelfish is fairly peaceful with aggression only ever coming out during breeding males however they may eat very small fish fry and shrimp. With adequate space, these fish will get along with a wide range of community fish. it has however been noted that angelfish can possibly be aggressive against fish species which look similar.

Usually Compatible

Other angelfish, tetras, gouramis, corydoras, angelfish, barbs dwarf cichlids such as rams and large peaceful cichlids such as uaru or Severums.

Sometime Compatible

Semi-aggressive or territorial cichlids like fire mouths, convicts cichlids and similar species.

Rarely Compatible 

large aggressive species such as African cichlids, Oscars and Jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Gold Angelfish

Angelfish in general are a very easy species to feed that will take to a wide range of aquarium foods like pellets or flakes. They are naturally an omnivore that feeds off plant matter like algae, small insects and crustaceans. This means a well-balanced aquarium food which has good protein and green content would be best.