Interesting Bandit Angelfish Behavior

[michael_cb_125]

This evening while watching TV Megan noticed something in the tank. She said "what is at smoke in the tank". I freaked out and tan over to notice something that I have never seen before. The larger of my bandit angelfish was in one of the caves and was "sweeping" the sand away. He created a "bed" which looked just like the bed of a spawning bluegill. He then retreated into the cave, and out came the "smoke".
I know that these fish do not spawn in this fashion, so what am I witnessing?

~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

By the way, the smaller of the fish (female) just remained suspended above the cave.


~Michael

 

[Chelsey]

A very, very rare behavior in males...cleaning the house! :lol:

 

[LargeAngels]

A very, very rare behavior in males...cleaning the house! :lol:

Now that is funny!!!!!

I see many fish do this once in a while.

 

[LemonLemon]

A very, very rare behavior in males...cleaning the house! :lol:

HAHAHA! nice!

a house husband.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Read that and cracked up!


Any idea as to what this fish was really doing?

~Michael

 

[stunreefer]

Hey Michael,

I also saw my Bandit do this on occasion. The center rock in my AGE had a "cave" in it, and the water flow would kick sand into it throughout the day. Every night she would go in and "sweep" everything out.

I just figured she was very tidy

A very, very rare behavior in males...cleaning the house!

:lol:

Don't get your hopes up to much Chelsey, at this age I'm thinking they're both still female

 

[kinlayan]

Are all bandits born female like anthias? and then change to male later?

 

[michael_cb_125]

All Bandit angelfish are born female and the dominate changes to male.

Austin, I have been wondering if it is possible for the larger fish to either be a male or be transitioning. Both fish were almost the same size when introduced, and one just shot off in terms of growth. They eat the same, are housed in the same conditions and neither fish are bullied, so what factors are playing into the difference in growth?

~Michael

 

[stunreefer]

I am certainly not sure of the age necessary to "change", or if there is even a threshold, but the growth difference is more than likely due to dominance. Also, mine had an obvious growth spurt over a three month period when it went from 3.75" - 4.25", then slowly grew in length after that but gained gerth... maybe it was just the larger one's time for a spurt!

In your more recent pics both still seem to hold a more round shape, as seen with juvies and females. Full blown studs definitely have the more elongated body and (more) pointed fins, but those are good sized fish (5"+). You seeing any spawning behavior at all?

 

[Floowid]

If they are both still teenagers, then I know what he was smoking in the house...

 

[michael_cb_125]

Austin, I have seen these fish exhibit the spiral-rise in the evenings many times over the last few months. I have never seen any gametes released and the fish stop just short of exiting the water.

~Michael

 

[kinlayan]

Can you video the spawning behaviour would love to see that !! My own bandit is doing well putting on alot of weight as well-- i got to say these are wonderful angels , so friendly!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42085951@N06/5209083963/" title="bandit by Kinlayan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5209083963_7630d1433f.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="bandit" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42085951@N06/5140398345/" title="BANDIT 037 by Kinlayan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/5140398345_74bd53f5c3.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="BANDIT 037" /></a>

any idea what sex it is?

 

[Sheol]

Such a handsome Angel! Its a shame they aren't hardier, or rather their needs are different from shallow water angels..

Matthew