HomeFreshwater FishFreshwater Aquarium BasicsAngelfish Aggressive: 5 Reasons Why Do Angelfish Fighting

Angelfish Aggressive: 5 Reasons Why Do Angelfish Fighting

When you have an aquarium, it is crucial to ensure that the fish get along. If they don’t, it can lead to fighting and even death.

It’s not uncommon for Angelfish to start fighting with one another. However, if the fighting becomes excessive, it may be time to take some action. In this blog post, we’ll explore why your Angelfish might be fighting and what you can do to help stop the violence.

National Park Aquarium will  also provide tips on creating a healthy and harmonious aquarium environment for your beloved fish.

Are Angelfish Aggressive?

Angelfish, while known for their stunning beauty, can display aggression. This aggression can be due to a variety of reasons including territorial disputes, breeding, or competition for resources.

While they are generally peaceful, they can show a more aggressive side, especially when they feel threatened or crowded.

Angelfish are typically not aggressive towards other fish, but they can be territorial and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other angelfish, especially during breeding season. It is crucial to research the compatibility of any new fish before introducing them to a tank with angelfish

Why are My Angelfish Fighting?

why do angelfish fight each other
Why do angelfish fight each other

1. Overcrowding

One of the most common reasons why Angelfish start fighting is because they are overcrowded. If there are too many fish in a small space, it can lead to stress and aggression.

Suppose you suspect that your fish are fighting because of overcrowding. In that case, the best solution is to increase the size of your aquarium or add more hiding places.

2. Competition for food

Also, your Angelfish competes for food. If you notice that your fish are fighting when you feed them, it’s likely because they are hungry and want to ensure they get their share of the food.

To solve this problem, you can try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day. You can also try offering different types of food to see if that makes a difference.

3. Different levels of aggression

Some Angelfish are simply more aggressive than others. If you have two fish constantly fighting, it might be because one is more aggressive than the other.

In this case, you might need to remove the more aggressive fish from the aquarium or provide more hiding places so that the less aggressive fish can have a safe place to hide.

4. Hormone levels

Another reason why your Angelfish might be fighting is because of their hormone levels. When fish are stressed, their hormone levels increase, leading to aggression.

If you think this might be the case, try reducing the stress in your fish’s environment. It can be done by providing more hiding places, using a filter to remove toxins from the water, and keeping the tank clean.

5. Feeling threatened

Another reason why your Angelfish might be fighting is that they feel threatened. This can be caused by many things, including a change in their environment, the addition of new fish to the tank, or even the presence of other animals in the room.

You can try to make your fish feel more secure by providing hiding places and using a calming light.

How Do You Stop Angelfish from Fighting?

angel fish attacking other angelfish
Angel fish attacking other angelfish

If you have two or more Angelfish, it’s not uncommon for them to start fighting. While this behavior is usually not harmful, it can be a nuisance.

Additionally, if the fighting gets too out of hand, it could lead to serious injury or even death.

There are a few things that you can do to try to stop your Angelfish from fighting:

1. Add more hiding places.

Angelfish often fight over territory. By adding more hiding places, such as caves or plants, you can give each fish its space and reduce the chances of them getting into a territorial dispute.

2. Feed them separately.

Another reason why Angelfish may fight is that they’re competing for food. If you feed them separately, each fish will get its own share, and there will be less of a reason for them to fight.

3. Change the water conditions.

Sometimes, the water conditions in your tank can contribute to aggression. If your Angelfish are fighting, try changing the temperature, pH, or hardness of the water. This may help to reduce their aggression.

4. Use a mild sedative.

In some cases, a mild sedative may be necessary to stop your Angelfish from fighting. This should only be used as a last resort, as it can have adverse side effects and may not be effective in all cases.

5. Remove the aggressor.

If one fish is constantly picking fights with the others, removing it from the tank may be necessary. This is usually only necessary if the other methods of stopping the fighting have failed.

Fighting between Angelfish is usually not harmful and will often resolve over time. However, if the fighting gets out of hand, it can lead to serious injury or even death. If you’re concerned about your fish fighting, there are a few things that you can do to try to stop it.

Are Angelfish Aggressive towards Guppies?

The mix of Angelfish and guppies in the same tank can be a challenge because of the size and temperament differences.

Angelfish are larger and may view smaller guppies as food, especially if the guppies are very small or the Angelfish are particularly large.

Additionally, both species have long, flowing fins that can be tempting for the other to nip at.

So, while Angelfish and guppies can coexist under the right conditions, caution is advised to prevent potential aggression.

Are Angelfish Aggressive towards Other Fish?

Angelfish can show aggression towards other fish, particularly those that are smaller, slower, or less aggressive. This is often a result of territorial disputes or competition for food.

If you plan to introduce new fish into your Angelfish tank, it is recommended to choose species of a similar size and temperament.

Providing enough space and resources (like food and hiding spots) can also reduce the chances of aggression.

Conclusion

When it comes to keeping your fish happy and healthy, you must ensure their environment is as stress-free as possible.

If you see your Angelfish fighting, the best thing to do is remove one of the fish from the tank so that they can calm down.

Fighting among Angelfish can be a sign of aggression or dominance, or it could simply mean that there isn’t enough room in the tank for all of them. Providing a spacious aquarium with plenty of plants and decorations can help reduce aggressive behavior and keep your fish content and healthy.

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Further Reading
Kevin Mills, the founder of Nationalparkaquarium.org

KEVIN MILLS

-- Founder --

I'm Kevin Mills, the founder of Nationalparkaquarium.org, where I share my deep passion for aquariums and aquatic life. With over 20 years of experience in fishkeeping, covering everything from tending to saltwater and freshwater tanks.

Kathleen Wood

KATHLEEN WOOD

-- Interrogator --

Kathleen Wood, a seasoned marine biologist, possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in her field. Her research on tropical fish biodiversity spans over three decades, and she has contributed numerous scientific papers on aquatic life.