The quick answer
Feed young angelfish 2 to 3 small meals a day and adults 1 to 2 meals a day. Each meal should be only what they eat in about 2 minutes. That's it. Most angelfish problems come from too much food, not too little.
Feeding schedule by size
| Size | Meals per day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 1.5") | 2 to 3 | Growing fast. Small meals more often work best. |
| Medium (up to 1.75") | 2 | Still growing. Keep meals small. |
| Large and adult (2.5" and up) | 1 to 2 | Growth slows. Watch for leftover food. |
How much is "one meal"?
Drop in a small pinch and watch. If it's all gone in under 2 minutes, that's a good amount. If pellets are sitting on the bottom after 2 minutes, feed less next time and remove the leftovers.
A small pellet like our 0.5mm Crimson Rise makes this easier. Small angelfish can swallow it whole, and it sinks slowly through the middle of the tank so they can pick it off as it falls.
Signs you're overfeeding
- Food left on the bottom after a few minutes
- Cloudy water or a bad smell
- Rising ammonia or nitrate on your tests
- Fish with swollen bellies or stringy waste
- Algae growing faster than usual
Should angelfish get a day off?
Many keepers skip feeding one day a week for adult angelfish. It gives their digestion a break and helps keep the water clean. Young, growing fish should be fed every day.
What should angelfish eat?
A good pellet should be the main diet. It gives balanced protein and nutrients in every bite. You can add frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp 1 to 2 times a week as a treat.
If you keep red angelfish like Red Devil or Sunset, a color enhancing pellet helps them show their best red.
Feeding when you go on vacation
Healthy adult angelfish can go a few days without food. For a weekend trip, you don't need to feed them. For longer trips, use an automatic feeder set to small portions, or have someone feed pre-measured amounts. Don't drop in a big pile of food before you leave.
FAQ
Why is my angelfish not eating?
New fish often skip meals for a few days while they settle in. If an established fish stops eating, check your water first.
Can I feed angelfish once a day?
Yes, for adults. Young fish grow better with 2 to 3 smaller meals.
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How to Bring Out Orange and Red in Sunset and Koi Angelfish
How to Bring Out Orange and Red in Sunset and Koi Angelfish