Optimal angel fish school size?

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Jan 23, 2007
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Melbourne, Australia
What is an optimal size school of young angel fish?

I read something once about they have to be either odd or even numbers to reduce aggression and stop them picking on the weakest - I can't remember whether the answer was odd or even?!

I'm thinking somewhere between 3 and 6 - any advice?
 
are they going in the 175 gallon? i wouldnt put any in there with the BGK, which can get aggressive, cardinals, which angels will eat, and otos, which they will try to eat. your BGK will also start to eat the smaller fish.

as for angels in general, they will do fine alone. if you want multiple angels but no more than five, make sure you introduce them all at the same time and make sure that they are about the same size. any more than six- just amke sure that they are around the same size when you put them in the tank. you dont have to worry as much in bigger groups because there are so many to distribute aggression with.
 
is there any scientific data to back-up the 3,5,7,9.... theory?
 
actually, I know of angelfish keeper with large tanks..they say in a large tank the larger schools will reduce aggression.

oddly the optimal number they found for a 280 gallon was 15..scientific datas..no..but this particular individual has bred altum's successfully(in a laboratory). he suggested the best way to reduce aggression in angels was to keep them in schools.


he maintains large numbers of angels..mostly wilds..and is considered a source of very useful information..yes he is a scientist who is studying angels in South America.
 
Interesting...all I have ever seen or heard recommended is odds. Now that I look at my tanks...they all have an odd number of angels. I really can't ever remember thinking about doing it on pupose....Would be greatly interested in any study data any body finds.
 
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