Pairing Angels - Genders

[Flutter]

We have two angels which appear to have paired up. One is about 3" long and the other around 2" (without tail). Will this pair be male and female or might they be both males (the breeder was fairly certain that the one is a male). Are youngish angels able to determine gender and pair accordingly?

This then leaves us with the third wheel angel. It isn't bullied too much but certainly isn't welcome to join the pair. We're not sure if we should add a 4th angel or sell this one and just keep the pair. It would be easier to grab another if we knew their genders but we don't. This is our first foray into angels (and cichlids in general!) so we're taking things slowly and still have a lot to learn.

[L!$A]

I have never personally had angels, but from what I have gathered from those that do, telling the sex is very difficult unless you actually see which one lays eggs. Usually if they are paired, and do everything together, then they probably are a M&F pair. One way of telling the difference between M&F are by the papilla .. which is a pink coloured organ formed between the anal fin and the ventral fin... signs of possible breeding behavior could be the female displays a bulging belly and a more aggressive behaviour. Two Angelfish grooming each other is also a typical breeding behaviour. Angelfish of both sexes will also flash fins, face off, lock their mouths and twist around. When a couple has been formed, they will choose a spawning site and start cleaning it together

[Flutter]

Mhm, they are still small though, I think they're quite a ways away from breeding. I'm going to have to watch for grooming behaviour, I haven't noticed any yet. They also haven't seemed to form a territory, they use the whole tank and don't protect any areas but they protect their personal space quite well.

[L!$A]

Hmm.. interesting. I don't know very much about it, I'm sure there's some info on this website
http://www.angelfish.net/VBulletin/index.php .. can never be on too many forums

[Flutter]

Haha, yes, yes you can I'm on 3 and that's enough though this is the only one that I'm actually active on. I can read it though I was having a bright moment too and completely never thought of asking the breeder of the oldest angel. I'm sure she'd be happy to help

[L!$A]

I'm active on 3 forums.. lol, sitting at a computer all day, doesn't help

[Flutter]

Well, they were right and just laid eggs. We have no idea what to do now. We might try to raise them with or without the parents or we might just leave things. We might set up another tank or we might section off this tank, etc etc.

[L!$A]

that's pretty cool!!!! take some pics when you can

[Flutter]

We have pictures and video!



It would be really cool if they survive. Unlikely but it would be awesome. Both mom and dad are quite pretty. Mom's looking very thin right now, perhaps I'll start a new thread about this.

[autophotos]

aww- how come none of my fish - apart from guppies breed -

my guppies - snails and cherry shrimp breed but nothing else - doh