Angelfish are a popular freshwater fish species known for their elegant appearance and peaceful nature. However, finding suitable tank mates for your angelfish can be challenging, as not all fish species are compatible with them. In this guide, we will provide you with some tips on choosing the best angelfish tank mates that can coexist peacefully in your aquarium.
Overview of Angelfish
Angelfish are freshwater fish that belong to the Cichlid family. They are known for their unique shape and size, which can range from 6 to 15 cm. They have long, flowing fins that give them a majestic appearance, and they come in a variety of colors, including silver, black, yellow, etc.
Best tank mates for Angelfish
Discus Fish
Discus fish are beautiful fish in the freshwater community. They have awesome coloring and huge, circular forms. They are extremely hard to maintain. Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) are renowned for their stunning colors, graceful swimming, and unique body shape. Native to the Amazon River basin in South America, these regal fish have become highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
Read more about Discus Fish and Angelfish
Cherry Barbs
Cherry Barbs and Angelfish can be compatible tank mates, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Cherry Barbs are small and may be seen as a food source by larger Angelfish. Secondly, the two species have different temperature requirements, so it’s important to find a range that suits both.
Lastly, it’s important to monitor their behavior and separate them if any aggression or stress is observed. However, with proper care and attention, Cherry Barbs can make peaceful additions to an Angelfish community tank. They are colorful, easy to care for, and can add variety to the aquarium.
Read about: Angelfish and Cherry Barbs
Corydoras Catfish
A cory is a catfish. The cory catfish is the suggested freshwater fish for aquarists. They are very pleasant, hardy, and peaceful fish. They look beautiful, are not difficult to take care of, and are very friendly. They’re bottom dwellers so they will not disturb your angelfish.
Tank Size: A minimum 10-gallon tank should be provided for smaller Cory catfish species. For 10 cory catfish, a nearly 20-gallon tank is favorable.
Temperament: Corydoras catfish are generally peaceful, calm, and non-aggressive. They are more shy and timid. They show a little aggressiveness during the breeding season.
Mollies
For many good reasons, molly fish is considered to be very popular. Mollies additionally have a few unique qualities of their own; they’re dangerous algae eaters and consist of some of the most important livebearers in the world!
can Angelfish live with Mollies can we keep them together?
Water parameters: The proper water parameters are at temperature ranges between 24- 27 °C and pH 7.5 and 8.5.
Care: As they are peaceful, they are easy to take care of. Provide them with the right food and warm water. Their diet includes vegetables, flakes, pellets, and frozen foods.
Bolivian Ram
Bolivian Ram fish are beautiful freshwater fish. Their bodies are elongated and oval-shaped. They have muted body colors. The color is yellow toward their belly. The lifespan of this fish is 4 years. The stated number can be reduced if there are poor water conditions.
Temperament: Bolivian Rams are generally peaceful and easygoing. They might show aggression during the breeding season. They are well-tempered.
Aquarium water parameters: The proper tank water parameters are temperature (22.2°C to 26.2°C) and pH ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. Fluctuations in water parameters may lead to pathological conditions.
Care: Bolivian rams are very easy to take care of. They will not cause too many problems, and they are a good choice for beginners. Provide them with a proper diet of small invertebrates and plant matter.
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf gourami is a very popular fish. They look so good as well; they bring a splash of color into your aquarium. Moreover, they are easy to keep without putting in a lot of effort when it comes to taking care of them. In the freshwater aquarium community, these fish are going to remain a staple for some time.
Tank Size: A minimum 10-gallon tank should be provided for one to three dwarf gourami fish. If it gets added, then you’ll need to add 5 gallons every time you add.
Social Requirements: The proper tank water parameters are the temperature at 24–26 °C, pH which should range between 6.0 and 7.5, and soft to hard water.
Care: They are easy to take for beginners, as they are small in size and don’t need too much space. Moreover, they are peaceful and can share their tanks well with peaceful fish. Feed them on time with small insects, flakes, and frozen foods.
Neon Tetra
Neon tetras are beautiful, tiny fish. They can be found in most aquariums all over the world. The pretty fish is very active. Neon tetras are no more than an inch. They are mostly blue in color, with splashes of red and white. With a proper tank setup, they can live up to 5 years.
Tank Size
The least you can provide is 10 gallons. However, 20 gallons is better. Provide them with an environment that’s comfortable.
Temperament: Neon tetras are very peaceful and calm. They might show aggression if they are uncomfortable in an environment, which is not in their favor. Neon tetras will get along with other peaceful fish in a community tank.
Aquarium water parameters: The proper tank water parameters are temperature ranges of 22.1°C to 27.2°C and pH ranges below 7. Fluctuations in water conditions may provoke stress in them.
Care: Neon tetras are not difficult to take care of. They are a good choice for beginners. Provide them with a proper diet of flake foods, pellets, insect larvae, and dead vegetation.
Boesemani Rainbow Fish
The adult Boesemani rainbowfish can grow up to a length of 10 cm in males and 8 cm in females. The lifespan of the fish is 5–6 years. This is a blazing, active fish. This colorful fish gets a lot of attention. It’s not an easy task for beginners to keep this fish.
Also read, Angelfish with Rainbow Fish
Tank size: The tank should be at least 30 gallons large, and the school of six can live there. The tank needs to be 30 inches long, as rainbow fish are active jumpers.
Temperament: They are peaceful and the friendliest rainbow fish in their community. They may show aggressiveness toward females during the breeding season.
Water parameters: The proper tank water parameters are temperature 24°C –26 °C and ph 6.5–7.5. If you don’t provide the fish with favorable tank conditions, they will become dim in color, and the Boesemani rainbowfish will look unattractive.
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli loaches are beautiful and multicolored. They have thin bodies and very small fins. They have a tiger-like appearance. Their average size is 7 to 10 cm. They are highly active, mostly at night. The black Kuhli loach is a very popular variant. They can live up to 14 years, but the average is around 10 years. However, their lifespan depends on how they are treated.
Temperament: Kuhli Loaches are timid. Generally, loaches are very pleasant and easygoing. They are peaceful yet semi-aggressive. They have sharpened spikes to defend themselves, but they don’t use them unless there is a need.
Aquarium water parameters: The proper tank water parameters are temperature (22.7°C to 30°C) and pH levels of 5.5 to 6.5. Their stress may increase if there is a fluctuation in the parameters.
Care: It is difficult for beginners to take care of Kuhli loaches as they are more prone to diseases. Like other fish, they cannot defend themselves against the effects of bacteria and fungi because their scales are very soft. You should be very careful about water quality, osmolarity, and filtration. Provide them with a proper diet with bloodworms, brine shrimp, water fleas, etc
Kribensis Cichlid
Kribensis Cichlids are beautiful and they are highly active. Not only this, but they have a unique color pattern. They can adapt to most aquariums. The lifespan of Kribensis cichlids without fluctuation in their favorable water conditions is 5 years. The size differs in both sexes, i.e. 10 cm in males and 7 cm in females.
Tank Size: Kribensis cichlids don’t need a very big tank. The least you can provide is 10 gallons. However, 20 to 30 gallons is a better choice. Provide them with a habitat that’s comfortable, as an unfavorable environment can increase stress levels.
Temperament: Kribensis cichlids are very peaceful and calm. They might show aggression during parenting.
Aquarium water parameters: The proper tank water parameters are temperature (23.8°C to 26.1°C) and pH levels of 5.0 to 8.0.
Care: Kribensis cichlids are easy to take care of. They are a good choice for beginners. They can be easily controlled. Provide them with a proper diet with bloodworms, mosquito larvae, daphnia, frozen food, etc.
Gouramis
Gouramis are another peaceful fish species that can coexist with angelfish. They are available in different colors and sizes and can add visual interest to your aquarium.
Rasboras
Rasboras are a diverse group of freshwater fish that come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. These small, peaceful fish are native to Southeast Asia and are known for their active, shoaling behavior, which can be a delight to watch in a well-decorated aquarium.
Bad tank mates for angelfish
Guppy
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) can be compatible tank mates under the right conditions. However, there are a few things to consider before adding guppies to an angelfish tank.
Angelfish can be aggressive towards smaller fish and may see guppies as potential prey. Therefore, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places and vegetation for the guppies to take cover in. Additionally, guppies may be more susceptible to diseases that angelfish can carry, so it is important to quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank.
Overall, if the tank is large enough and properly set up with plenty of hiding places and healthy fish, guppies can make good tank mates for angelfish. However, it is important to monitor the tank for any signs of aggression or illness and address any issues promptly.
Tiger Barbs
Tiger barbs are notorious for their nipping behavior, which can stress out your angelfish. They may also attack your angelfish fins, causing injury or infection. Barbs are notorious for nipping at other fish’s fins, making them unsuitable companions for angelfish.
Cichlids
While angelfish are cichlids themselves, not all cichlid species are compatible with them. Aggressive cichlids can attack and harm your angelfish. Cichlids are known for their aggressive behavior and territorial nature, making them a poor choice for tank mates with angelfish. They may attack your angelfish, causing stress and injury.
Malawi Cichlid
Malawi Cichlids and Angelfish can be kept together in a large enough aquarium, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Malawi Cichlids are known for their aggressive behavior and territorial nature, which can lead to conflict with more peaceful tank mates like Angelfish. Angelfish, on the other hand, are relatively peaceful but can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their territory is encroached upon.
It’s important to ensure that the aquarium is large enough to provide ample swimming space and hiding places for both species. Additionally, it’s best to avoid keeping two males of the same species of Cichlid together as this can result in increased aggression. Overall, with proper care and consideration, Malawi Cichlids and Angelfish can coexist in an aquarium.
African cichlids
African cichlids and angelfish should generally not be kept together in the same tank. This is because African cichlids are known to be aggressive fish that require a specific set of water parameters, while angelfish are generally peaceful and require different water conditions.
Additionally, African cichlids are territorial and may bully or attack angelfish, which can cause stress and potentially harm or kill the angelfish. In general, it is best to keep African cichlids with other cichlid species that have similar temperaments and water requirements. Angelfish are better suited for community tanks with other peaceful fish species.
Betta fish
Betta fish are aggressive and territorial, making them a poor choice for angelfish tank mates. One of the most fascinating things about betta fish is their aggressive nature towards other male bettas. In the wild, male bettas will fight to establish dominance and claim territory for themselves. This behavior has been selectively bred over the years, resulting in the beautiful and unique colors and fin shapes seen in domesticated bettas today.
Goldfish
Goldfish have different water requirements than angelfish and can suffer from health problems if kept together. Goldfish come in many different colors and varieties, from vibrant oranges and reds to calico patterns and even metallic blues and blacks. And while they may not be the most intelligent or interactive of fish, they have a charm all their own, with their adorable round eyes, delicate fins, and playful antics.
Siamese Algae Eaters
Siamese algae eaters may seem like a good choice for tank mates, as they help keep the tank clean. However, they may attack your angelfish, especially if they feel threatened or stressed.
Red Tail Sharks
Red tail sharks are highly territorial fish that may attack your angelfish, causing injury or death. They are also known to uproot plants and decorations in the tank, disrupting your angelfish environment.
Characteristics of Angelfish
Before choosing angelfish tank mates, it is essential to understand their characteristics. Angelfish are cichlids and can grow up to 6 inches long. They are peaceful and generally get along well with other peaceful fish species. However, they can become territorial during the breeding season, so it’s important to choose compatible tank mates.
Appearance and Size
Angelfish are tall and thin, with long fins that make them look graceful and elegant.
Habitat Requirements
Angelfish requires a well-established tank with plenty of hiding places and vegetation. They prefer a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5 and a water temperature between 76°F to 82°F.
Angelfish with other fish tank mates
It is essential to ensure that the fish you keep together are compatible with each other. Fish that are not compatible may fight or even kill each other, which can be dangerous and stressful for both the fish and the aquarium owner. Compatibility is determined by a variety of factors, including the fish’s size, behavior, and habitat requirements.
Quarantine Process for New Fish
Before introducing new fish to the tank, it is essential to quarantine them for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. Quarantine helps prevent the spread of diseases and parasites to the existing fish in the tank. It is recommended to keep the new fish in a separate tank with similar water conditions, proper filtration, and heating. During quarantine, the new fish should be monitored for any signs of illness or disease.
Maintaining a Healthy and Happy Tank Environment
Regular Water Changes and Tank Maintenance: Regular water changes and tank maintenance are crucial to maintaining a healthy and happy tank environment. It is recommended to perform weekly water changes of at least 25% to remove any excess waste
Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots and Vegetation: Angelfish love hiding spots and vegetation in their tanks, so make sure to include plenty of these features when setting up their environment. These will also help reduce stress and provide a sense of security for your fish.
Maintain a Stable Environment: Angelfish are sensitive to changes in temperature and water quality, so it’s essential to maintain a stable environment for them. Monitor the pH levels, temperature, and other water parameters regularly to ensure they remain within an acceptable range.
Feed Them a Balanced Diet: Angelfish requires a balanced diet of both protein and vegetables. Feed them a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen or live food, and fresh vegetables.
Addressing Common Issues
Even with careful planning and preparation, issues may still arise when keeping Angelfish with other fishes. Here are some of the most common issues and how to address them:
Aggression: Aggression is one of the most common problems when keeping Angelfish with other fish. In some cases, Angelfish may become territorial and attack other fish in the tank. To prevent aggression, make sure there is plenty of hiding spots and decorations in the tank to create separate territories for each fish.
Disease: Diseases can spread quickly in a community tank. Make sure to quarantine any new fish for at least two weeks before introducing them to the main tank. Regular water changes and tank maintenance can also help prevent the spread of disease.
Water Quality: Make sure to regularly test the water and perform water changes as needed. Keeping the tank clean and well-maintained is essential for the health of your fish.
Conclusion
Choosing suitable angelfish tank mates is crucial for creating a harmonious and healthy aquarium environment because of this we list down the good and bad angelfish tank mates with reasons so that you can understand easily. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you should be able to select appropriate fish species that can coexist peacefully with your angelfish.