Angelfish eggs float at the surface, ready for fertilization by seawater bacteria. Hatching usually begins within 48-60 hours after fertilization, with stages such as the "wiggler stage," in which young angelfish remain attached to egg sacs for up to seven days after hatching before becoming free-swimming and developing their unique shapes and oversized eyes. Water quality in breeding tanks must remain high; sponge filters offer gentle circulation without sucking up delicate fry.
Angelfish parents in a community tank will generally defend their eggs against predators; however, first-time or inexperienced breeding pairs may become distressed by noise or movement and consume their own eggs out of stress - this is often seen with first-time or inexperienced pairs; using a separate breeding tank reduces this risk significantly.
As part of the hatching process, it's crucial to monitor temperature with an electric heater, as well as installing a low-flow pump with gentle water flow. Strong currents inhibit fertilization and may cause infertile eggs to turn white indicating infertility; should this occur, gently remove these white eggs from your tank to prevent contamination of water supplies. Once your fry are free-swimming you should feed newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms three to four times daily until reaching quarter size.
