Angelfish question (Genicanthus)

Swoody · Dec 24, 2016

I am hoping to buy a bonded pair of Bellus (first choice) or Masked (2nd choice) Angel's soon. My question is...If I cannot find an already bonded pair, can I place a male and female together without any issues (ie...aggression). I would expect there might be a little chasing at first to establish the boss...but other than that, any worries??

Ocelaris · Dec 24, 2016

I have a 110, 60x24x18 and I got two Watanabe angelfish about 4 months ago. They were both small females at that time one slightly larger, now the bigger one has gotten much larger, and basically keeps the smaller one in a small area in the tank under normal conditions. During feeding everyone is going everywhere, but it's more aggression than I anticipated, it's not like people, if you get two females one will bully the other to keep it small so it doesn't transition. Mine are still both females at this point. I don't think either are particularly happy that there are two in the tank, maybe if it was a bigger tank, but if I had to do it over again I wouldn't have worried or focused on getting 2. They're not that social, not like anthias or anything. They're ok, but I feel bad for the smaller one, hopefully the larger transitions and calms down a bit.

Diesel · Dec 24, 2016

Get two female Bellus Angels.
One will turn male.
You'll run the risk the male will go after the female even if they bonded.

blueface · Dec 25, 2016

Diesel said:
Get two female Bellus Angels.
One will turn male.
You'll run the risk the male will go after the female even if they bonded.

I agree

eatbreakfast · Dec 25, 2016

Genicanthus don't bond like other angels do, rather their roles of male and female are predicated on social cues and dominance. With two Genicanthus there will always be a degree of displays and chasing. The dominant one will try to maintain it's dominance, the submissive one will wait for it's opportunity to claim dominance.

Swoody · Dec 25, 2016

Thanks for the interesting and informative replies! I may just start off with one female as I know where I can get a really nice specimen from my local (kind of) LFS. She has been in a big lagoon type frag tank since Nov. 2 and looks very healthy. The reason this appeals to me is that I know that the rest of this stores tanks are kept with low Cu levels and being in the frag tank for that long without that, and still appearing disease free is a plus. (I'll still observe in my 15g qt, but not immediately treat) Then go from there.