Ideal Tank Mates for Angelfish

Angelfish are a popular freshwater species kept by aquarists of all experience levels. But what fish make the best tank mates for angelfish? With their unique body shape, size, and temperament, not all community fish mix well with angelfish. In this blog, I’ll overview angelfish care needs and recommend both suitable and unsuitable tank mates to create a thriving, compatible community aquarium.

Angelfish Care Needs

Angelfish are cichlids native to the Amazon River basin in South America. They are recognizable by their tall, laterally compressed bodies and large, showy fins extending from the dorsal, ventral, and anal regions. Well cared for angelfish typically reach 6-8 inches long at maturity and may live 8-12 years.

When considering tank mates, there are a few particular care requirements to note about angelfish:

• Space – require at least a 55 gallon tank, preferably larger
• Diet – omnivores accepting meaty, plant-based, and commercial foods
• Behavior – generally peaceful but territorial towards small, shy fish
• Groups – comfortable kept singly, paired, or in small groups
• Water Conditions – prefer slightly acidic, soft water environments

Suitable Tank Mate Options

Provided adequate space and numbers, angelfish coexist well with a variety of larger tetras, barbs, danios, rasboras, corydoras catfish, plecos, gouramis, livebearers, and similar-sized peaceful species. Some great options include:

Tetras – skirt tetra, Congo tetra, emperor tetra, buenos aires tetra
Barbs – tinfoil barb, gold barb, cherry barb
Danios – zebra danio
Rasboras – harlequin rasbora
Catfish – julii corydoras, albino corydoras, bristlenose pleco
Gouramis – pearl gourami, honey gourami
Livebearers – swordtails, platies

Avoid Overly Small or Fin Nipping Fish

Fish that remain under 3 inches long generally make poor tank mates for angelfish. Their tiny size tempts the angelfish’s predatory instincts. Slow, long-finned species are also susceptible to nipping damage from an angelfish’s beak-like mouth. Some fish to keep apart include:

• Neon tetras
• Guppies
• Endler’s livebearers
• Bettas/fighting fish
• Fancy guppies

Use Caution with Shrimp and Snails

Invertebrates often become convenient targets for angelfish aggression or predation. Shrimp and small snails certainly get eaten. Larger shrimp like amanos or bamboo and big nerite snails have better luck. Avoid cherries, ghost shrimp etc.

In Conclusion

Angelfish don’t have to swim solo! Consider their behavior, space needs, and feeding habits when selecting suitable tank mates. Prioritize larger robust schooling fish that occupy different tank zones. Monitor for aggression, removing bullies and victims promptly. With thoughtful stocking, angelfish and a vibrant, carefully chosen community can share their aquatic home successfully for years on end!