Angels...

[Sum-X]

What are you favorite kind? and why?

[Cichlid Woman]

Silvers. They're the only ones that seem to be true angels to me. Not sure why; maybe because they were the first ones I'd ever seen. Their coloring is gorgeous; the silver part shimmers as they swim across the tank, and the black vertical stripes just seem to separate them from the looks of any other species. Unmistakably angels.

I have three babies right now (almost the size of a quarter), and they're ravenous! Every time I go near the tank, they're up there waiting for food. And they nip my arm when I put my hand in the tank. I love 'em.

-- Pat

[valerie]

I like the marble angels but one drawback is that they don't usualy get as big as other angels.

I also really like the Koi angels but they are harder to find around here so i have never owned one.

[Deb2]

The long finned blacks. They are very impressive and regal looking.

[Mr.Bass]

As a long time breeder of angels, I have some pretty strong personal opinions on the topic:D

Over the years, my likes & dislikes have changed, but a few things have remained the same. Popular color varieties come & go, but the things that separate "quality" angelfish from what you find in a typical LFS remain the same. Personally, I look for long, straight fins, equal length in the dorsal/anal fins and the ventral fins, straight body lines along the head & belly, clear eyes in proportion to body size, and finally compliance with the phenotype under which they are being sold.

I have raised numerous color/fin varieties of angelfish, but I must say that my personal favorite is the standard silver variety with normal finnage, 4 black bars, and bright red eyes. My second favorite would be a true double dark angelfish (sometimes sold as "velvet"). My least favorite would be any variety sporting "super veil" fins or pearlscale. But again, that is just my personal feelings & I am fully aware that peoples taste in angels vary.

[JeffP]

Altums and peruvians for wild types.

Silvers and true double darks for domestic types.

[nvision]

i concur. altums are magnificent.

i currently keep a pair of silvers. i think the marble and long-fin varieties are a bit too extreme in appearance. imho.