Perfect Tank Mates For Angelfish: A Guide

By FantasticFishTank Team

If you’re looking to add angelfish to your aquarium and are curious about suitable angelfish tank mates, you’re in for a treat. These beautiful fish are a delight to watch as they gracefully swim through the water. However, it’s important to note that angelfish can be aggressive and territorial, making it challenging to find suitable tank mates.

Fortunately, with the right knowledge and planning, it is possible to create a harmonious and thriving aquarium ecosystem.

In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of the perfect tank mates for angelfish. We will take into account their aggression levels, size, and needs to help you choose the best companions for your angelfish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this guide will provide you with the information you need to create a peaceful and thriving aquarium for your angelfish and their tank mates.

So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect tank mates for your angelfish!

Key Takeaways

  • Angelfish can be bullies in a community tank, so tank mates should be carefully selected.
  • Tank mates should occupy lower levels of the aquarium and have similar needs to angelfish.
  • Small fish may end up being snacks when angelfish become adults, so fish that are at least 2 inches long are best as tank mates.
  • Tank size is important when choosing tank mates for angelfish, and it’s important to research the species before purchasing to ensure a good fit for their needs.

Choosing Tank Mates

Angelfish Tank Mates - Choosing Tank Mates

When choosing tank mates for your angelfish, it’s crucial to consider their aggression levels and match them with fairly peaceful community fish that occupy lower levels of the aquarium. Angelfish can be bullies in a community tank, so it’s essential to select fish that won’t become easy targets.

Small fish will end up as snacks when angelfish become adults, so fish that are at least 2 inches long are best as tank mates. Big whoppers like jaguar cichlids, Oscars, or redhead cichlids should be avoided.

Tank mates’ aggression levels should be balanced with angelfish’s aggression levels. Fish with similar needs should be matched as tank mates, and their compatibility should be researched before purchasing.

Fairly peaceful community fish are good tank mates, like Boesemani Rainbow Fish, Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Gourami, Praecox Rainbow Fish, Zebra Loaches, Platies, Mollies, Kribensis, Bushynose Pleco, and Ram Cichlids. Remember to keep in mind the size of the tank and the specific needs of each species before adding them to the aquarium.

Factors to Consider

Consider factors such as the aggression levels and size of potential tank mates when creating a community aquarium for your angelfish. It’s important to keep in mind that angelfish can be bullies in a community tank, so selecting peaceful fish with similar needs is key.

Here are some compatibility considerations and behavioral traits to keep in mind:

  1. Aggression levels: As mentioned, angelfish can be aggressive, so it’s important to select tank mates with balanced aggression levels. Avoid adding big and aggressive fish like jaguar cichlids, Oscars, or redhead cichlids to the mix. Instead, opt for fairly peaceful community fish like Boesemani Rainbow Fish or Corydoras Catfish.
  2. Size: Keep in mind that when angelfish become adults, small fish will end up being snacks. Select fish that are at least 2 inches long and occupy lower levels of the aquarium. Sailfin mollies or Kribensis are good examples of suitable tank mates for angelfish.
  3. Schooling fish: If you plan to add schooling fish to the mix, make sure to provide a larger tank to make them feel secure and happy. A 55-gallon tank is suitable for a few angelfish and a school of cory cats, zebra loaches, or rainbowfish.
  4. Research: Always research the species before purchasing to ensure a good fit for their needs. This will help prevent any potential conflicts or problems in the tank.

By considering these factors, you can create a harmonious and thriving community aquarium for your angelfish and their tank mates.

Peaceful Community Fish

You absolutely need to add some peaceful community fish to your angelfish tank to create a beautiful and diverse underwater world. But before you do, make sure to consider community fish compatibility and observe their behavior with your angelfish.

The ideal community fish should be peaceful and have similar needs to your angelfish, occupying lower levels of the aquarium. Boesemani Rainbow Fish, Corydoras Catfish, Dwarf Gourami, Praecox Rainbow Fish, Zebra Loaches, Platies, Mollies, Kribensis, Bushynose Pleco, and Ram Cichlids are some of the best peaceful community fish that make perfect tank mates for angelfish.

However, it’s important to observe their behavior before adding them permanently to your angelfish tank. Keep in mind that some species may have a tendency to nip on the fins of angelfish. So, it’s best to introduce them slowly and under close observation to avoid any harm to your angelfish.

Suitable Fish Size

Adding fish that are at least 2 inches long is recommended for angelfish tanks to ensure suitable tank mates. Small fish may end up being snacks once angelfish become adults. However, it’s important to note that the size of the fish alone is not enough to determine their compatibility with angelfish.

Here are two sub-lists to consider when selecting the right size of tank mates for angelfish:

  • Best tank size: Tank size is crucial when selecting tank mates for angelfish. A 55-gallon tank is suitable for a few angelfish and a school of cory cats, zebra loaches, or rainbowfish. A smaller tank is better suited for a few platies or a dwarf gourami. Schooling fish require a larger tank to feel secure and happy.
  • Proper feeding: It’s important to feed your angelfish and their tank mates properly. Angelfish are omnivores and require a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen food. Tank mates should have similar dietary requirements. It’s recommended to feed your fish small amounts of food twice a day rather than one large feeding to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.

By considering the size of tank mates and providing a suitable tank size and proper feeding, you can ensure a harmonious and healthy community aquarium with your angelfish.

Fish to Avoid

Beware of potential bullies in your community tank as some fish, like jaguar cichlids, Oscars, or redhead cichlids, can be as aggressive as a lion on the prowl. These big whoppers may see the angelfish as a tasty snack and can quickly turn a peaceful tank into a warzone. It’s not just about their size, but also their territorial nature that makes them incompatible with angelfish. These fish are better suited for a species-only tank or with other fish that can hold their own against their aggression.

If you’re looking for alternative tank mates for your angelfish, consider peaceful community fish that don’t mind sharing the tank with their angelic neighbors. Fairly peaceful fish like corydoras catfish, boesemani rainbow fish, dwarf gourami, platies, mollies, kribensis, bushynose pleco, and ram cichlids are great options. They won’t harm your angelfish and won’t be harmed by them either.

Remember to keep an eye on the aggression levels of your tank mates and choose fish with similar needs to ensure a harmonious community tank.

Top Tank Mates

Consider peaceful and similarly-sized community fish like Boesemani Rainbow Fish, Corydoras Catfish, and Dwarf Gourami as potential tank mates for your angelfish. These fish are all compatible with angelfish in terms of temperament, and they occupy the lower levels of the aquarium, which makes them ideal for sharing the tank with angelfish.

Boesemani Rainbow Fish are colorful and peaceful, while Corydoras Catfish are social creatures that should be kept in groups of 5 or more. Dwarf Gourami are also peaceful and can add a splash of color to the tank. Remember, when it comes to tank mate compatibility, it’s important to match fish with similar needs and aggression levels.

To help you choose the right tank mates for your angelfish, we’ve created a table below that highlights some of the best options. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and that individual fish may have different temperaments. It’s important to monitor the behavior of all fish in your tank and make adjustments as needed to ensure everyone gets along. With proper behavior management, you can create a beautiful and harmonious tank for your angelfish and their tank mates.

Fish NameTemperamentSize
Boesemani Rainbow FishPeaceful4 inches
Corydoras CatfishSocial and Peaceful2-3 inches
Dwarf GouramiPeaceful2 inches

Remember, when choosing tank mates for your angelfish, it’s important to consider their behavior and size. Avoid aggressive fish and those that are too small or too large to coexist with your angelfish. By selecting peaceful and similarly-sized community fish, you can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your angelfish to thrive in.

Angelfish Care Tips

Angelfish Tank Mates - Angelfish Care Tips

To ensure your angelfish thrive in their aquarium, it’s important to maintain a consistent water temperature and provide plenty of hiding places for shy fish. This can be achieved by adding plants and decorations to the tank. The ideal water temperature for angelfish is between 78°-80°F, and water parameters should be regularly monitored to ensure they are within the acceptable range for the species.

It’s also important to choose suitable tank mates for your angelfish, as they can be bullies in a community tank. When setting up a tank for angelfish, consider providing a mix of open swimming space and hiding places. Plants like java ferns, anubias, and amazon swords can provide coverage for shy fish, and driftwood and rocks can create caves and crevices for them to hide in.

It’s important to avoid overcrowding the tank, as this can lead to poor water quality and stress for the fish. Regular water changes and filter maintenance can help maintain a healthy environment for your angelfish.

Author Information

If you’re curious about the author of this text, Katherine Morgan from Northwest Florida shares her extensive aquarium experience on her Instagram page. She has been keeping and maintaining aquariums for over two decades, with a particular interest in South American cichlids. Her passion for these fish has led her to become an expert in cichlid breeding and care, and she often shares her knowledge with her followers.

Aside from her Instagram page, Katherine also participates in fish forums and attends aquarium events to further expand her knowledge and expertise. Her dedication to the hobby has earned her a reputation as a reliable source of information for aquarium enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, Katherine’s insights on cichlid breeding and aquarium maintenance are invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Angelfish Be Kept With Other Types Of Cichlids?

Mixing angelfish with other types of cichlids is not recommended due to compatibility options and behavioral considerations. Angelfish can be bullies and territorial, causing stress and aggression towards other cichlids in the tank.

What Types Of Plants Are Safe To Keep In An Angelfish Tank?

When setting up an angelfish tank, it’s important to choose aquatic plant options carefully. Avoid plants that angelfish may eat or damage, like delicate stem plants. Instead, choose hardy options like Java ferns or anubias.

 How Often Should Angelfish Be Fed?

So, you’re wondering how often to feed your angelfish? Well, let’s get technical. Recommended diet includes flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods. Feeding frequency should be 2-3 times a day. Nutritional requirements and feeding schedule may vary depending on the species.

Are There Any Medications Or Treatments That Should Be Avoided When Treating Angelfish?

When treating common angelfish illnesses, it is important to use safe medications and proper treatment. Avoid using treatments that contain copper, as it can be toxic to angelfish and harm their delicate immune systems.

What Is The Lifespan Of An Angelfish In Captivity?

Angelfish longevity can be up to 10 years with proper care. Factors affecting the lifespan of captive angelfish include water quality, diet, and tank size. Regular water changes and a varied diet can promote a healthy lifespan.

Revamp your Angelfish Tank: Build a Thriving Aquatic Haven!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned about the perfect tank mates for angelfish.

Now that you know what factors to consider when choosing tank mates, you can create a thriving aquarium ecosystem that will make your angelfish happy. Remember to choose peaceful community fish that are similar in size to your angelfish, and avoid aggressive or territorial species.

In addition, you can consider adding bottom-dwelling fish or shrimp to your tank to create a multi-level ecosystem. Don’t forget to provide plenty of hiding spots and plants for your angelfish to explore and feel safe.

With these tips and tricks, you can create a beautiful and harmonious aquarium that will be the envy of all your friends. Happy fishkeeping!

About the author

Fantastic Fish Tanks is your home for all things home aquarium relate. Our dedicated team of aquarists, biologists, and writers share a common passion for fishkeeping. We provide expert advice, product reviews, and DIY guides to make fishkeeping accessible for everyone. We're here to support you in your fish keeping journey!

Leave a Comment