Adding 2nd Watanabei Angel Female

D

dmatt56

New member
Hello Everyone,

I added a 2nd Watanabei Angel Female to my 180 yesterday. The new female angel is large than my first Watanabei Angel, but both angels appear to be female.

The new angel is getting chased by the old female and my yellow tang (2 largest fish in tank). The yellow tang treated the first angel the same way when I first added her to the tank. The tang eventually got used to the angel and both were fine.

I'm hopefully after 2-3 days all three will be swimming harmoniously in the tank. I'm hoping the larger angel eventually turns male.

Has anyone tried adding a 2nd female Watanabei Angel to their tank? What are other's experiences?

Thanks,
Matt
 
I posted a similar question a little while back and consensus was it's a hit or miss situation. No predicting how it turns out. Makes me wish I'd gotten two when I got mine. One of my favorite fish.
 
Roll of the dice. Maybe so, maybe not. Using an acclimation box is always a good idea, however.
 
It looks like my new female may have actually been turning male. It's starting to show the male lines on the back tail.

Do you think it's possible that my original female was actually male without showing the male pattern?

Day 2: new larger "female" is still getting chased by the older and small female.

Matt
 
Well, I finally made an acclimation box out of egg crate. So, when transferring the angel to the box, it bounced into the main tank. Ahhhh.

Well, I lucked out. When trying to catch it again, I actually caught the smaller and more aggressive angel!! I'm very excited about my luck.

How much time should I keep the smaller more aggressive female in the box before releasing it again? I want to ensure the larger more docile angel has time to adapt in the tank and stake his territory.

Does anyone have any recommendations for acclimation? I've heard of keeping the lights out and even waiting keep her in there for three weeks.

Thanks
Matt
 
dmatt56 said:
Well, I finally made an acclimation box out of egg crate. So, when transferring the angel to the box, it bounced into the main tank. Ahhhh.

Well, I lucked out. When trying to catch it again, I actually caught the smaller and more aggressive angel!! I'm very excited about my luck.

How much time should I keep the smaller more aggressive female in the box before releasing it again? I want to ensure the larger more docile angel has time to adapt in the tank and stake his territory.

Does anyone have any recommendations for acclimation? I've heard of keeping the lights out and even waiting keep her in there for three weeks.

Thanks
Matt
Click to expand...


Was the chasing more the "get out of my way" chase or the "I'm coming after you" chase? The later one is much more aggressive and wouldn't let go until it makes sure the other is in some sort of hole. If it's the later one, then either the two needs to be separated for at least one week or you need to rearrange the aquascape. I would suggest the later option since it doesn't sound like the DIY acclimation box is sizable.
 
The box is actually quite large 12"x6"x6". And, yes, it was the aggressive I'm after you chase.

So 2 weeks will be enough?
 
My experience has been that both will try to turn male which may not turn out well. I know from previous experience, however, that males can revert to being female. At this point, it is still a roll of the dice.
 
dmatt56 said:
Sorry, 17x6x6
Click to expand...


That's roughly 2.5 gallons. Yes it's a giant acclimation box but I don't think it will be anywhere close to the size of tank to hold it for 2 weeks, unless it's no greater than 2". Do you have a QT to move it to? Also need to keep an eye on the new one in the tank and make sure it doesn't get too comfy in there.
 
79chopperdr said:
Following along. I'm on the hunt for a harem also.
Click to expand...

If I were going to try it again, I would purchase 3 small females and hope they sort it out. Alternatively, Divers Den sometimes sells bonded pairs (although I do not remember there being this particular fish alternative)
 
snorvich said:
If I were going to try it again, I would purchase 3 small females and hope they sort it out. Alternatively, Divers Den sometimes sells bonded pairs (although I do not remember there being this particular fish alternative)
Click to expand...

:beer: three small females is the target. :)
 
79chopperdr said:
:beer: three small females is the target. :)
Click to expand...

I feel this is by far the best alternative. Once this species gets "large", it seems as if they are "males in training" and tend to accelerate that change once paired. If you do this, please post results.
 
Having trouble sourcing them. All my LFS seem hesitant to order or claim they don't see them at the wholesaler often...

OP where did you find yours?
 
Several months went by, how are the two ladies now?
I was lucky to add a pair to my tank. I have to day they really worth their hefty price tags.


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