What Fish Can You Put With Angelfish – Your Complete Guide
So, you’ve fallen for the graceful, gliding elegance of the angelfish. I don’t blame you! With their diamond-shaped bodies and long, flowing fins, they are truly the kings and queens of the freshwater aquarium. But now you’re facing the big question every angelfish owner asks: how do you build a peaceful community around them?
It can feel like a puzzle. You hear stories of them being aggressive, but then see them in beautiful, bustling community tanks. Don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place. As a lifelong aquarist, I’m here to promise you that creating a harmonious tank is not only possible, it’s incredibly rewarding.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explore the angelfish’s unique temperament, reveal the absolute best tank mates, and highlight the fish you must avoid. Think of this as your complete what fish can you put with angelfish care guide, designed to give you the confidence to build the aquarium of your dreams.
Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to a thriving angelfish community!
Understanding Angelfish Temperament: The Key to Harmony
Before we even think about other fish, let’s talk about the star of the show. Understanding the angelfish is the first and most important step. They aren’t your average tetra; they have personality and quirks you need to respect.
First, remember that angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) are a type of cichlid. The word “cichlid” can sometimes make aquarists nervous, and for good reason—many are notoriously aggressive. While angelfish are on the milder end of the spectrum, they still have that cichlid DNA. This means they can be territorial, especially as they mature and form breeding pairs.
Their long, delicate fins are like a magnet for nippy fish. Any tank mate you choose must be peaceful and not prone to fin-nipping. A stressed angelfish with tattered fins is an unhappy and unhealthy angelfish.
Finally, they are “opportunistic” eaters. A good rule of thumb I always tell my friends is this: if a fish can fit in an adult angelfish’s mouth, it will eventually end up there. This is one of the most common problems with what fish can you put with angelfish, and it’s easily avoided with smart stocking choices.
The Best Tank Mates: Your Go-To List for a Peaceful Angelfish Community
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Choosing tank mates is like casting for a play—everyone needs to play their part without upstaging the lead. Here are some of the most reliable and peaceful companions for your angelfish.
Classic & Calm Tetras
Tetras are a fantastic choice, but you have to pick the right ones. You want mid-sized, peaceful schooling fish that won’t bother the angels, and won’t get eaten by them either. Always keep them in schools of at least 6-8 fish to promote their natural, secure behavior.
- Rummy Nose Tetras: These are one of my personal favorites. They are active but peaceful, and their bright red noses are a great indicator of good water quality.
- Black Skirt Tetras: A classic for a reason. They are hardy, get large enough to not be seen as food, and generally mind their own business.
- Lemon Tetras: These beautiful, subtly-colored fish are incredibly peaceful and make a wonderful addition.
- Congo Tetras: If you have a larger tank (55+ gallons), these larger, iridescent tetras are a stunning and compatible choice.
Hardy Corydoras Catfish
Every community tank needs a good cleanup crew, and you can’t do better than Corydoras. These armored catfish are the perfect neighbors because they live on a completely different level of the aquarium.
They are bottom-dwellers, constantly sifting through the sand for leftover food. This means they will almost never interact with your mid-swimming angelfish. They are peaceful, charming, and endlessly entertaining to watch. Stick with a group of 6 or more of the same species.
- Bronze or Albino Corys: Hardy, common, and perfect for beginners.
- Panda Corys: Adorable and popular, though they can be a bit more sensitive to water parameters.
- Sterbai Corys: Known for their beautiful spots and tolerance for the warmer water that angelfish prefer.
Peaceful Bottom Dwellers & Algae Eaters
Beyond Corydoras, other bottom-dwellers can fill this niche perfectly. They help keep the tank clean and stay out of the way.
- Bristlenose Plecos: Unlike the common pleco that grows into a tank-busting monster, the Bristlenose stays a manageable 6 inches. They are algae-eating machines and generally ignore other fish.
- Kuhli Loaches: These shy, noodle-like fish are fascinating. They burrow in the substrate and come out at dusk to scavenge. Because they are nocturnal and reclusive, they pose zero threat to angelfish.
- Siamese Algae Eaters: One of the few fish that will reliably eat pesky Black Beard Algae. They are active but peaceful, though they can get territorial with their own kind as they age.
Other Excellent Choices
A few other fish fit the bill perfectly, offering different shapes and behaviors to round out your aquatic community.
- Dwarf Gouramis: These can be a good match as they are also relatively slow-moving and enjoy similar water conditions. Introduce them carefully and watch for any signs of aggression, as two male labyrinth fish can sometimes clash.
- Harlequin Rasboras: A wonderfully peaceful and beautiful schooling fish that occupies the mid-to-top level of the tank, complementing the angelfish nicely.
- Bolivian Rams: If you want to try another cichlid, this is your best bet. Bolivian Rams are much more peaceful than their German Blue Ram cousins and stay near the bottom, carving out a small territory that won’t interfere with the angelfish.
What Fish Can You Put With Angelfish? A Guide to Successful Introductions
Knowing what fish can you put with angelfish is only half the battle. How you introduce them is just as critical. Following these best practices will dramatically increase your chances of success.
The Golden Rule: Add Angelfish Last (or When Young)
This is one of the most important what fish can you put with angelfish tips I can give you. If you add adult angelfish to a tank first, they will claim the entire space as their territory. Any fish added later will be seen as an intruder.
The best method is to establish your community of dither fish (like tetras and corys) first. Then, introduce juvenile angelfish. By growing up in a busy tank, they are far more likely to be peaceful and tolerant adults.
Tank Size and Setup are Non-Negotiable
Angelfish need vertical space. A standard 29-gallon tank is the absolute minimum for a pair, but for a community, you should be looking at a 55-gallon tank or larger. A taller tank is always better than a longer, shallower one.
Use tall plants (like Amazon Swords and Vallisneria) and pieces of driftwood to create visual barriers. This breaks up sightlines, reduces territorial disputes, and gives fish a place to retreat if they feel stressed. A well-decorated tank is a peaceful tank.
Always Quarantine New Arrivals
This isn’t just a tip; it’s a rule for responsible fishkeeping. Every new fish, no matter where you get it from, should be kept in a separate quarantine tank for at least 2-4 weeks. This allows you to observe them for any signs of illness and treat them before they can infect your entire display tank. It’s a simple step that can save you from a world of heartache.
Fish to AVOID: Averting Common Problems with Angelfish Tank Mates
Equally important as knowing what works is knowing what doesn’t. Making one of these stocking mistakes is the fastest way to a stressed-out, damaged angelfish and a chaotic tank.
The Notorious Fin-Nippers
These fish are public enemy number one for angelfish. Their long, flowing fins are an irresistible target. Avoid them at all costs.
- Tiger Barbs: The classic fin-nipper. Do not mix them with angelfish, ever.
- Serpae Tetras: While beautiful, they have a well-earned reputation for nipping.
- Most Danios: They are too hyperactive and zippy for the calm demeanor of an angelfish and can cause stress, with some being prone to nipping.
The Bullies and Giants
Angelfish may be cichlids, but they are no match for larger, more aggressive fish. They will be outcompeted for food, bullied, and severely stressed.
- Large Cichlids: This includes Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Green Terrors, and most African Cichlids. The temperament and water parameter requirements are completely incompatible.
- Large, Boisterous Fish: Fish like a full-grown Common Pleco or Bala Shark will get far too large and active, stressing your angelfish.
The Bite-Sized Snacks
Remember our rule? If it fits in their mouth, it’s food. This is a sad lesson many beginners learn the hard way.
- Neon Tetras: While they look great together in photos, full-grown angelfish will often pick them off one by one. Choose a larger tetra species instead.
- Guppies & Endlers: Their flashy fins and small size make them a prime target.
- Shrimp: Except for the large Amano shrimp, most dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp) will be considered a very expensive snack.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Angelfish Keeping
Being a great aquarist also means being a responsible one. When considering what fish can you put with angelfish, thinking about their origin is a key part of sustainable fishkeeping.
Whenever possible, choose captive-bred fish. The benefits are enormous. Captive-bred angelfish and their tank mates are already accustomed to aquarium life, are generally hardier, and don’t deplete wild populations. Supporting local fish stores or breeders who prioritize ethical, captive breeding is one of the best things you can do for the hobby.
This is a core part of an eco-friendly what fish can you put with angelfish approach. By creating a balanced tank with live plants, you also build a more stable ecosystem that requires fewer water changes, which is better for both your fish and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angelfish Tank Mates
Can I keep just one angelfish?
Absolutely! Keeping a single angelfish is often the most peaceful option, as it eliminates any aggression related to pairing and breeding. A single angelfish will be perfectly happy as the centerpiece of a community tank.
How many angelfish should I keep together?
The rule for angelfish is to keep one, a confirmed breeding pair, or a group of five or more in a large tank (75+ gallons). A group of 2, 3, or 4 is often a recipe for disaster, as two may pair off and bully the others relentlessly. A larger group helps diffuse this aggression.
What temperature do angelfish and their tank mates need?
Angelfish prefer warmer water, typically between 78-84°F (25-29°C). It’s crucial that any tank mates you choose are comfortable in this temperature range. This is why fish like Sterbai Corys and Bolivian Rams are such great choices.
Why are my angelfish suddenly fighting?
This is almost always due to them reaching sexual maturity (around 6-12 months of age). They will start to form pairs and become territorial as they prepare to breed. This is the point where you may need to separate a pair or re-home other angelfish if the tank is not large enough to handle the aggression.
Your Journey to a Beautiful Angelfish Tank
Creating a vibrant, peaceful, and thriving angelfish community tank is one of the most satisfying projects in the aquarium hobby. It’s not about a magic formula, but about understanding the needs of your centerpiece fish and making thoughtful, informed choices.
You’ve learned to respect their cichlid nature, to choose tank mates based on size, temperament, and tank level, and to avoid the common pitfalls of fin-nippers and bullies. You have the knowledge to set up your tank for success and introduce new fish peacefully.
Now you have the complete what fish can you put with angelfish guide. You’re ready. Go create that stunning aquarium you’ve been dreaming of. Happy fishkeeping!
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