Dont buy those big angels

[rogerrabbit]

This is based on a couple of experiences I have had over the years. You walk into a lps and there is this nice size angels, some times pricey, some times not. Immediately you think why bother growing out small ones?

Well invariably I have found that these big fish tend to not eat, either not at all, or not as good and I often end up losing them. Now I understand they might be used to a specific diet, but if they even refuse live food there must be something wrong.

Now I am just wondering, am I not purchasing someone else's problems.
What is the esteemed bunch of fish fundis thought or suggestions on this.

[Rory]

I often ask the LFS to feed the fish before I buy to check that they are eating and what they are used to just in case they don't accept the foods I may have.

[rogerrabbit]

Yes, that is a cause of action I have also decided on taking. Any possible solutions once you have a fish like that in your tank, I had to watch now over a three week period how a fish starved herself to death. Not a nice feeling.

[Gert Combrink]

Yes ,I do aggree with you on the large fish purchace...
They are perhaps someone's problem fish or the last one's of a old group, with not very long to live...
What is nicer than getting a group of say 10 to 12 juvenile angels, watch them school in a big enough tank, sort the pecking order out and eventually pair up and start breeding.
This way you can enjoy them with a full life cycle.
Unless your tank is an oldage home for lame and lone old fish...
Enjoy the hobby and your young fish...
Gert.

[Zafgak]

Agree with all - we have had the same problem with the older Angels and now will only get young and let them grow - takes time but hey at least we know what we are getting..

[veegal]

From my experience of purchasing the large angels, I've generally experienced a 75% loss. Will never purchase large ones again.....