angelfish eggs

Question
I just noticed what appears to be eggs on the tube to the filter in my tank. The angelfish hovers around and seems to get her mouth close to them without actually touching them. She's the only angel in the tank. What will happen to the eggs? Do I scrape them off or should I try to get a male?

Answer
Hi Joan,
 Angelfish (and other cichlid females) will do this, i.e., lay eggs when there is no male present. The eggs can't hatch because they weren't fertilized.  There is no hope for those particular eggs, i.e., the male has to fertilize them within minutes of them being laid.  However, you could consider getting a male to fertilize the next batch.   At least now you know for sure that you have a female.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>