Angelfish Pairing Question

[fishboy7]

I want to get 2 Angelfish for my empty 36 gallon tank, but I know that if I get two males the result wont be good, so any idea on how I can tell the genders of 2 juveniles so I end up getting a pair?:help:

[NYCguppydude]

There is really NO WAY of telling them apart until they try to mate! They can't even tell each other apart and sometimes pair up with the same sex! Most Angel breeders try to keep at least 6 or so and "Hope" they get a pair or two!

[fishboy7]

Oh..... Ok

[Cerianthus]

Although dont know the sizes of juvies, Can you provide pics (full side view) of angels from lfs if possible? I may be able to assist improving chances of obtain m/f utilizing my experiences in breeding angels for may yrs.

Even if m/f were correctly chosen, it does not guarantee successful breeding. Since your tank is decent size (better if l x w x h are provided), how about starting off with 2 male/4 female ratio of juvies if and when possible? Let them choose their mates was/is my theory behind to ensure most dominant fish to breed in order to obtain healthier/stronger clutch.

[fishboy7]

Sorry, but I can't because I haven't gotten the fish yet. If I do get them, I will put them on a new thread. Also, the tanks size is 30 in. by 13 in. by 21 in. Finally, I'm not interested in breeding, just compatibility.

[Cerianthus]

I sold unused drygoods (filters/heaters) to one guy who had no ideas on fish keeping about 2 yrs ago. I taught him how to cycle and breed certain fishes. He became obsessed with angels. I believe he cycled the tank with about 6-10 med/lge. I even met him at lfs to pick out select m/f. With in few months, he was suffering from MTS as angels continued to breed and he needed provide new homes for all the babies..

What I am trying to say is that they may not stop breeding once they start and they will protect their clutch, especially against other angels. They can be aggressive toward each other even when they are not breeding but not lethal as other cichlids.

Try 6 juvies if possible and when mated pair(s) are found, sell them back as breeding pair and keep the rest or vice versa.

Good Luck with new venture!

[fishboy7]

Alright, thanks.