If you have angelfish in your aquarium, you probably want to create a peaceful and beautiful community tank. But choosing the right tankmates can be tricky.
You want fish that get along well with your angelfish without causing stress or fights. You’ll discover which fish make the best companions for angelfish. By the end, you’ll feel confident about building a balanced and vibrant tank that keeps your angelfish happy and healthy.
Keep reading to find the perfect tankmates for your angelfish!
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Angelfish Behavior
Angelfish are popular freshwater fish known for their unique shape and graceful movements. Understanding their behavior helps keep them healthy and happy.
Knowing how angelfish act helps you pick the right tankmates. Their behavior affects how well they live with others.
Temperament And Social Traits
Angelfish have a calm and gentle nature most of the time. They like to swim slowly and explore their tank.
They enjoy the company of other fish but can be shy around very active or aggressive species. Angelfish prefer peaceful tankmates that do not bother them.
- Usually peaceful with similar-sized fish
- Can be shy with fast swimmers
- Prefer calm and quiet tankmates
- Social but not schooling fish
Territorial Tendencies
Angelfish can become territorial, especially during breeding times. They may guard their space and chase away intruders.
In a crowded tank, territorial fights can happen. Giving enough space and hiding spots helps reduce stress and fighting.
- Guard territory mainly during breeding
- Chase smaller or similar-sized fish nearby
- Need enough space to avoid fights
- Use plants and decorations as hiding spots
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Tank Setup Essentials
Setting up a tank for angelfish and their tankmates needs care. You must create a safe and healthy space.
Good tank setup helps fish live longer and stay stress-free. This guide covers water and plants.
Ideal Water Conditions
Angelfish need clean water with steady temperature and pH. Their tankmates must tolerate the same water.
Keep water stable to avoid stress and illness. Regular checks keep conditions right for all fish.
- Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
- pH range: 6.8 to 7.8
- Water hardness: Soft to medium (3-10 dGH)
- Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
- Regular water changes: 25% weekly
Aquascaping Tips
Angelfish like tall plants and open swimming space. Add hiding spots for shy tankmates.
Use soft plants and smooth decorations to avoid injury. Arrange plants for natural look and safety.
- Include tall plants like Amazon swords or Vallisneria
- Use driftwood or rocks for hiding places
- Leave open middle space for swimming
- Avoid sharp or rough decorations
- Plant roots should be covered to prevent damage
Criteria For Compatible Tankmates
Choosing the right tankmates for angelfish helps keep the aquarium peaceful. Compatibility depends on many factors. Understanding these factors keeps all fish safe and healthy.
This guide explains key criteria to consider before adding new fish with angelfish. Knowing size, diet, and temperament is important.
Size And Activity Level
Tankmates should be similar in size to avoid bullying. Very small fish may become prey. Very large or fast fish might stress angelfish.
- Choose fish that grow to similar size as angelfish.
- Pick fish with moderate activity levels.
- Avoid very aggressive or very shy species.
- Consider fish that swim at different tank levels.
Diet Compatibility
Compatible tankmates eat similar food types. Angelfish are omnivores and enjoy flakes, pellets, and live food. Avoid fish that need special diets.
| Fish Type | Diet Type | Compatibility Notes |
| Angelfish | Omnivore | Flakes, pellets, live foods |
| Tetras | Omnivore | Similar diet, good match |
| Corydoras Catfish | Bottom feeder | Eats leftover food, peaceful |
| Discus | Specialized diet | Less compatible, needs care |
Temperament Match
Tankmates must have calm and peaceful behavior. Aggressive or very territorial fish cause stress and fights. Angelfish defend their space but stay mostly peaceful.
Good temperament matches include:
- Peaceful community fish
- Non-aggressive schooling species
- Fish that tolerate similar water conditions
Avoid fin-nippers and overly bold fish.
Top Peaceful Fish Choices
Choosing peaceful fish is important for a calm aquarium. Angelfish live well with many gentle species. These tankmates add color and life without stress.
This guide lists some of the best peaceful fish that get along with angelfish. Each type has unique traits and care needs.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are small bottom-dwellers. They help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food. Corydoras are peaceful and shy, making them great companions for angelfish.
Tetras
Tetras are small, colorful schooling fish. They prefer to stay in groups and swim in the middle of the tank. Their peaceful nature matches well with angelfish.
- Neon Tetras: Bright blue and red colors
- Cardinal Tetras: Larger and more vibrant than neon
- Rummy-nose Tetras: Known for their red noses and calm behavior
Gouramis
Gouramis are gentle fish with long fins and peaceful temperaments. They enjoy swimming near plants and calm areas. Dwarf gouramis are a good choice for angelfish tanks.
Rasboras
Rasboras are small, active fish that swim in schools. They are peaceful and add sparkle to the aquarium. Their simple care needs fit well with angelfish tanks.
| Rasbora Type | Color | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Harlequin Rasbora | Orange with black patch | 2 inches |
| Galaxy Rasbora | Black with white spots | 1.5 inches |
| Scissortail Rasbora | Silver with forked tail | 3 inches |
Swordtails
Swordtails are peaceful livebearers with a distinctive tail shape. They are hardy and easy to care for. Males have a sword-like extension on their tail fin.
Swordtail care tips:
- Keep in groups for social behavior
- Provide plants and hiding spots
- Feed varied diet of flakes and live food
Avoiding Aggressive Species
Choosing the right tankmates is key for a peaceful angelfish aquarium. Aggressive fish can harm angelfish and cause stress.
Learn which fish to avoid and how to spot signs of aggression early in your tank.
Common Aggressive Fish To Skip
Some fish show strong territorial or aggressive behavior. These species do not mix well with angelfish and can lead to fights.
- Oscar fish – known for being very territorial.
- Cichlids like Jack Dempsey – aggressive and may attack smaller fish.
- Red Tail Sharks – can nip fins and bully tankmates.
- Green Terror – highly aggressive and dominant.
- Betta fish – often aggressive toward other fish.
Signs Of Aggression In Tankmates
Watch your fish closely for early signs of aggression. Spotting these signs can help you protect your angelfish.
| Sign | What It Means |
| Chasing | One fish repeatedly follows or attacks another. |
| Fin Nipping | Fins look torn or bitten off. |
| Hiding | A fish stays out of sight to avoid others. |
| Color Changes | Fish darken or show stress colors. |
| Body Posture | Raised fins and flared gills show aggression. |
Feeding Strategies For Mixed Tanks
Feeding a mixed tank with angelfish and other species can be tricky. Each species has unique dietary needs. A balanced approach ensures all fish stay healthy.
Understanding the right feeding strategies helps prevent overfeeding. It also minimizes waste and keeps the tank environment clean.
Balanced Diet Plans
Creating a balanced diet is essential for mixed tanks. Different fish require different nutrients. Angelfish need protein-rich food, while some other species prefer plant-based diets.
- Provide high-quality flakes or pellets for angelfish.
- Supplement with frozen or live food like brine shrimp.
- Include algae wafers for bottom dwellers.
- Offer blanched vegetables for herbivorous fish.
Feeding Schedules
Establishing a consistent feeding schedule helps maintain tank harmony. Feed small amounts two to three times a day. This prevents overfeeding and keeps the water clean.
| Time | Food Type |
| Morning | Flakes or pellets |
| Afternoon | Frozen or live food |
| Evening | Vegetables or algae wafers |
Monitoring And Adjusting Community Dynamics
Creating a peaceful aquarium with angelfish requires attention. Each fish has unique behaviors and needs. Observing and adjusting tank dynamics is important for harmony.
Angelfish can be territorial. They need compatible tankmates. Regular monitoring helps keep a balanced environment.
Behavioral Observation Tips
Watch your fish closely. Notice how they interact with each other. Look for signs of stress or aggression.
- Check for fin nipping or chasing.
- Observe if fish hide often.
- Look for changes in eating habits.
When To Rehome Tankmates
Sometimes, fish do not get along. Rehoming may be necessary. It helps maintain a peaceful tank.
Consider rehoming if a fish is bullied or becomes aggressive. A calm environment is key for all fish.
- Fish shows signs of stress.
- Constant fighting occurs.
- One fish dominates feeding time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Fish Are Best Tankmates For Angelfish?
Peaceful species like tetras, gouramis, and corydoras make great angelfish tankmates. Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive fish to ensure harmony.
Can Angelfish Live With Goldfish Together?
No, angelfish and goldfish have different temperature and water requirements. Mixing them can cause stress and health issues.
How Many Tankmates Can Angelfish Handle?
Angelfish do well with 4 to 6 compatible tankmates in a 20-gallon or larger aquarium. Overcrowding can cause aggression.
Are Bottom-dwellers Safe With Angelfish?
Yes, bottom-dwelling fish like corydoras and kuhli loaches coexist peacefully with angelfish, as they occupy different tank levels.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tankmates keeps angelfish calm and healthy. Small, peaceful fish often make good companions. Avoid overly aggressive or tiny fish that may cause stress. Always watch how your fish interact in the tank. A balanced community tank creates a beautiful, lively environment.
Careful planning helps your angelfish thrive with friends. Enjoy the peaceful harmony in your aquarium every day.