anglefish

Question
I have 2 anglefish,not sure of sex, but recently they seem to be really agressive towards the other fish. they share the tank with a chinese catfish (they dont bother it). also are two mollies and 1 hatchet fish. its a 20 gallon tank. the angels are aprox 8 months. thanks

Answer
Hi Jim,
When two angelfish have this behavior, chances are that they have paired off.  Once you have a pair of Angel Fish, they must be kept in a tank of their own as they will soon spawn, and aggress all the other fish.  It could also be a question of territory.  One Angel needs 10 gallons of water all to himself, two angel, 20 gallons, and so on.  Watch them carefully in the days to come, you might see a spawn.  I would also like to mention that mollies and angel fish do not mix.  The reason for this is that mollies need alkaline water to strive, while angel fish need acidic to neutral.  Mollies kept in non alkaline water do not do well.  Mollies also need more aquarium salt in their water than other fish do.
Hope this helps
Lynda