What Fish Get Along With Angelfish – Your Complete Compatibility Chart
There’s nothing quite like the sight of a majestic angelfish gliding through a beautifully planted aquarium. They are the undisputed kings and queens of the freshwater world. But as many aquarists discover, that royal presence comes with a bit of a personality, making you ask the all-important question: what fish get along with angelfish?
It’s a common challenge. You want a vibrant community tank, but you’re worried about creating a stressful environment or, worse, a battleground. The fear of choosing the wrong tank mates can be paralyzing.
But I promise you, creating a peaceful and thriving angelfish community is not only possible, it’s incredibly rewarding. With a little bit of knowledge and planning, you can avoid the common pitfalls and build an aquarium that is a source of joy and relaxation.
In this complete guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of angelfish compatibility. We’ll explore their unique temperament, give you a “best of” list of tank mates, warn you about the ones to avoid, and provide a step-by-step plan for introducing new fish successfully. Let’s build your dream tank together!
Understanding Angelfish Temperament: The Key to a Peaceful Tank
Before we can pick friends for our angels, we need to understand them. Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) are cichlids. If you’ve been in the hobby for a bit, that word might bring to mind some notoriously aggressive fish. Don’t worry—angelfish are on the much calmer end of that spectrum.
They are best described as semi-aggressive. They aren’t usually bullies looking for a fight, but they are territorial, especially as they mature and pair off to breed. Think of them less as aggressors and more as proud homeowners who like their space.
Several factors influence their mood:
- Age: Juvenile angelfish are typically peaceful and can be kept in groups. As they reach adulthood, they become more territorial.
- Tank Size: A cramped space is a recipe for conflict. More room means fewer territorial disputes. This is one of the most important what fish get along with angelfish best practices.
- Breeding: A mated pair of angelfish will become very protective of their chosen territory and eggs. They will defend it fiercely against any and all intruders.
Understanding this behavior is the first step in our what fish get along with angelfish care guide. We aren’t trying to change their nature; we’re learning to work with it.
The Golden Rules: Your Guide for What Fish Get Along with Angelfish
Creating a harmonious tank isn’t about luck; it’s about following a few core principles. Think of these as your golden rules for angelfish compatibility. Getting these right will solve most of the common problems with what fish get along with angelfish before they even start.
Rule 1: Size Matters (A Lot!)
This is a two-way street. You must avoid fish that are small enough to fit into an adult angelfish’s mouth. Yes, that means popular choices like Neon Tetras can be risky unless the angelfish were raised with them from a very young age.
On the other hand, you also want to avoid fish that are overly large, boisterous, or aggressive, as they can bully or stress out your angelfish.
Rule 2: Temperament is Everything
This is non-negotiable. Do not house angelfish with known fin-nippers. Those beautiful, flowing fins are an irresistible target for pesky fish like Tiger Barbs or Serpae Tetras. This is a stressful and harmful experience for your angels.
Likewise, avoid other aggressive cichlids like Oscars or Jack Dempseys, who will see your angelfish as competition.
Rule 3: Match the Water Parameters
Your fish must be comfortable in the same environment. Angelfish thrive in warmer water (78-84°F or 25-29°C) with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5).
Choosing tank mates that prefer these conditions is essential for their long-term health. This is a critical part of any successful what fish get along with angelfish guide.
Rule 4: Give Them Space and Shelter
A larger tank is always better. For a community tank featuring angelfish, a 55-gallon tank is a great starting point. Tall tanks are ideal as they accommodate their body shape.
Use plants (live or artificial) and driftwood to create visual barriers. This breaks up sightlines and allows fish to establish their own little territories, dramatically reducing stress and aggression.
The Best Tank Mates for Angelfish: Our Top Picks
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Here is a list of tried-and-true tank mates that generally do wonderfully with angelfish, creating a balanced and active aquarium. This section provides actionable what fish get along with angelfish tips for stocking your tank.
H3: Calm and Schooling Dither Fish
“Dither fish” are active, peaceful schooling fish that swim in the open. Their presence helps shy or territorial fish, like angelfish, feel more secure and encourages them to come out of hiding.
- Corydoras Catfish: These are the perfect bottom-dwelling companions. They are peaceful, busy, and clean up leftover food. Panda, Sterbai, and Albino Corys are all fantastic choices. They occupy a different level of the tank, so they rarely interact with the angelfish.
- Larger Tetras: While Neons are risky, many other tetras are perfect. Black Skirt Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Lemon Tetras are all large enough not to be seen as food and are generally very peaceful.
- Harlequin Rasboras: A beautiful and peaceful schooling fish that adds a lovely splash of color and stays in the middle levels of the tank, well out of the way.
H3: Peaceful Mid-Level Swimmers and Bottom Dwellers
These fish add diversity in shape and behavior to your community, making the whole ecosystem more interesting to watch.
- Bristlenose Plecos (Ancistrus): An absolute workhorse for algae control! Unlike the Common Pleco which grows to a monstrous size, the Bristlenose stays a manageable 4-5 inches. This is a top-tier choice for a sustainable what fish get along with angelfish community.
- Kuhli Loaches: These quirky, eel-like bottom dwellers are fascinating to watch. They are shy and nocturnal, so they’ll stay completely out of your angelfish’s way.
- German Blue Rams: A stunning dwarf cichlid that shares the angelfish’s love for warm, soft water. They can be a bit sensitive, but in a stable, mature tank, they make incredible centerpieces alongside angelfish. Be sure to provide caves for them.
- Boeseman’s Rainbowfish: For larger tanks (75+ gallons), these are showstoppers. They are active, colorful, and peaceful, but fast enough to stay out of any trouble.
Fish to AVOID: A Recipe for Aquarium Conflict
Just as important as knowing what fish work is knowing what fish to avoid. Adding one of these to your angelfish tank can undo all your hard work and create a nightmare scenario.
- Obvious Fin-Nippers: Stay away from Tiger Barbs and Serpae Tetras. We can’t stress this enough. They will relentlessly harass your angelfish and shred their fins, leading to stress and infection.
- Aggressive Cichlids: Do not mix angelfish with most African Cichlids, Oscars, Jack Dempseys, or Green Terrors. Their water parameter needs are different, and their hyper-aggressive nature is completely incompatible.
- Most Tiny Fish: Unless you’ve raised them with your angelfish from when they were all tiny, avoid Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, and especially Guppies. An adult angelfish will view them as a delicious, bite-sized snack.
- Goldfish: This is a common beginner mistake. Goldfish are cold-water fish that produce a huge amount of waste. Angelfish are tropical fish that need clean, warm water. They are fundamentally incompatible.
How to Introduce New Fish to Your Angelfish Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ve done your research and picked the perfect new inhabitants. Success now hinges on the introduction. Here’s how to what fish get along with angelfish by introducing them correctly.
- Quarantine First! This is the number one rule of responsible fishkeeping. Always quarantine new fish in a separate, smaller tank for 2-4 weeks to monitor for any signs of illness. This prevents you from introducing diseases to your established main tank.
- Do a Little Rescaping: Before adding the new fish, move a few decorations around in the main tank. This simple act breaks up existing territories and forces your angelfish to re-establish its boundaries, making it less likely to be hostile to newcomers.
- Feed Your Angelfish: Add the new fish shortly after feeding your current residents. A full fish is a less curious and less aggressive fish.
- Dim the Lights: Turn the aquarium lights down or off during the introduction. This reduces stress for both the new and old fish and helps calm everyone down.
- Acclimate Properly: Float the sealed bag with your new fish in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature. Then, open the bag and add a small amount of your tank water every 10 minutes for about an hour. This slowly acclimates them to your water parameters. Discard the bag water and gently net the fish into your tank.
- Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the tank for the next few hours and days. A little chasing is normal, but if you see persistent bullying or physical damage, you may need to separate the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angelfish Tank Mates
Can angelfish live with guppies?
This is generally not recommended. While some people have success, an adult angelfish’s mouth is more than large enough to eat an adult guppy. The guppy’s long, flowing tail can also trigger a fin-nipping response. It’s a risky combination that often ends poorly for the guppies.
Can angelfish live with bettas?
Another risky pairing. Both fish have long, flowing fins and can be territorial. The betta might nip at the angelfish’s fins, or the angelfish might bully the slower-moving betta. It’s best to give each of these magnificent fish their own space to shine.
How many angelfish should I keep together?
You have two good options: keep a single angelfish, or keep a larger group of 5-6+. Keeping a group helps diffuse aggression, as no single fish can establish dominance. Avoid keeping just two or three, as one will likely become a bully and harass the others relentlessly.
What size tank do I need for angelfish and their tank mates?
A tall 29-gallon tank is the absolute minimum for a single angelfish, but it severely limits your tank mate options. For a proper community, we strongly recommend a 55-gallon tank or larger. This provides ample swimming space and helps reduce territorial behavior, unlocking the true benefits of what fish get along with angelfish in a community setting.
Are there any eco-friendly what fish get along with angelfish choices?
Absolutely! Choosing captive-bred fish is one of the best things you can do for a more eco-friendly what fish get along with angelfish setup. Many of our top picks, like Corydoras Catfish, Bristlenose Plecos, German Blue Rams, and most common tetras, are widely available as captive-bred. This reduces the pressure on wild populations and ensures you get a healthier, hardier fish adapted to aquarium life.
Your Peaceful Aquarium Awaits
Building a harmonious angelfish community tank is a journey, not a destination. It’s about understanding the majestic nature of your centerpiece fish and choosing companions that complement their temperament and needs.
By following the golden rules of size, temperament, and tank setup, you can confidently sidestep the common issues and create a dynamic, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful aquarium.
You now have the expert knowledge and the practical steps to succeed. So go ahead, plan your community, and watch as your angelfish preside gracefully over their thriving underwater kingdom. Happy fishkeeping!
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