Angelfish are popular aquarium fish, with their attractive colors and calm temperament making them a favorite among hobbyists. However, choosing appropriate tank mates for angelfish is important, as they are generally peaceful but can sometimes become territorial or aggressive.
Suitable tank mates for angelfish should typically be peaceful and not prone to bothering others. Based on my aquarium experience, here are some recommendations for tank mates that I hope will work well with your angelfish.
Rosy Tetras
Rosy Tetras
Rosy Tetras can be excellent tankmates for Angelfish because they are naturally peaceful fish. They usually do not cause any disturbance, even when swimming at the same water level as Angelfish. Because of this, they can easily adapt to the territorial nature of Angelfish.
Species Overview
- Scientific name: Hyphessobrycon rosaceus
- Common name: Rosy Tetra
- Family: Characidae
- Size: Usually grows to 4-5 centimeters (1.5-2 inches).
- Personality: Peaceful and prefers to live in groups.
- Color: Pinkish-orange body, transparent fins, and black or white spots on the fin edges.
- Origin: Slow-moving rivers and creeks in Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil, South America.
- Lifespan: 3-5 years in suitable conditions.
- Care Level: Easy, suitable for beginners.
Residence
Minimum Tank Size: Rosy Tetras are peaceful and attractive schooling fish that can be kept with Angelfish. When determining the minimum tank size for Angelfish, it is necessary to consider their number and the natural behavior of the Angelfish.
Rosy Tetras prefers to live in groups. If a small group (6 Rosy Tetras) is kept with 2 or 3 Angelfish, then a tank of 30-40 gallons or larger is best.
Suitable Plants: Rosy Tetras are peaceful and easy-care tetra species that do well in a planted aquarium. Plants such as Ambulia, Java fern, Anubias, and Java moss are particularly suitable as tank mates for Angelfish.
Care of Rosy Tetras
Water Conditions and Parameters:
If you want to keep Angelfish and Rosy Tetras in the same tank, you need to ensure that the water conditions are suitable for both. Suitable water conditions for them can be:
• Temperature: Keeping their tank temperature at 24–26°C is ideal for both.
• pH Level: It is safe to keep the tank pH around 6.5-7.0.
• Water Hardness (GH): 3–8 dGH is ideal.
• Ammonia and nitrate levels should be zero.
To maintain water quality, perform regular water changes (25-30% weekly).
Suitable Food
Since you are keeping Rosy Tetras as tankmates for Angelfish, you should choose a food that both Angelfish and Rosy Tetras will eat. Suitable foods for them can include:
• Flake Food: Angelfish and Rosy Tetras generally prefer to eat high-quality flake food, which is ideal for their daily nutrition.
• Live or frozen foods: such as Daphnia, mosquito larvae, and Artemia, which are nutritious for them.
• Granular food: Small and easy-to-eat granule foods are also good for them.
• Vegetable food: They can sometimes be given green plant foods such as spirulina or algae-type aquatic plant leaves.
Molly Fish
Mollie fish
Species Overview
Molly Fish can be a good tank mate for Angelfish, as they are generally peaceful and can live in similar water environments.
• Scientific name: Poecilia sphenops
• Common name: Molly Fish
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Size: Usually 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long, but larger species can grow to 6 inches (15 cm).
• Behavior: Peaceful and social. Usually prefers to stay in groups. Swims at mid to upper levels.
• Color: Comes in a variety of colors—black, white, orange, yellow, Dalmatian pattern, etc.
• Origin: Central and South America—Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia.
• Lifespan: Usually 3-5 years, but can live slightly longer with good care.
• Care Level: Easy, suitable for new hobbyists.
Residence
Minimum Tank Size: The minimum tank size for Molly Fish depends on their number and species. Typically, for one Molly Fish, a minimum of 10 gallons (about 37 liters) is required.
Since Molly Fish are suitable tank mates for Angelfish, the tank size will depend on how many Angelfish you keep. A tank of 30-40 gallons (approx.) is suitable for a small group of Molly Fish (2-3 Molly Fish) and 2-3 Angelfish.
Suitable Plants
Molly Fish generally do well with plants that are easygoing and require little maintenance. Considering that the tank for Angelfish will need occasional hiding places, suitable plants for Molly Fish include Java Fern, Java Moss, Anubias, Hornwort, Vallisneria, etc.
Care of Molly Fish
Water Conditions and Parameters
• Water Temperature: Keep between 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
• Water pH: Between 7.5 and 8.5.
• Water Hardness: 20–30 dGH.
• Nitrates: Should be between 20–40 ppm.
• Ammonia and Nitrite: Should be 0 ppm.
Note: Change 20–25% of the water every week.
Food Habits
Molly Fish are a popular and easy-to-keep aquarium fish. If their diet is correct, they remain healthy and grow well. A suitable diet for Molly Fish includes:
- Flake food: Commercially prepared flake food is very suitable for Molly Fish. It contains protein, vitamins, and minerals, which help maintain the health of the fish.
- Vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, lettuce, cucumber, etc., can be cut into small pieces or blanched.
- Live food: Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms help meet the protein needs of Molly Fish.
- Frozen food: If live food is not readily available, you can use frozen food. Frozen food for Molly Fish is available in the market; it is nutritious and safe for the fish.
Suitable Tank Mates
Molly Fish are calm and can easily coexist with other peaceful fish. They can coexist with Angelfish, Platies, Guppies, Swordtails, Cory Catfish, and Cherry Barbs.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Otocinclus vittatus
- Common Names: Otocinclus, Oto Catfish
- Family: Loricariidae
- Size: About 2–4 cm (up to 1.5 inches)
- Color: The body color is usually light brown or greenish, with black or dark brown stripes along the body.
- Origin: Riverine regions of South America, especially Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
- Lifespan: Usually 3–5 years
Residence
Minimum Tank Size: Otocinclus Catfish can be good tank mates for angelfish, as they are peaceful and do not usually cause problems. The size of the tank will depend on the number of angelfish. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons (about 113 liters) is generally recommended for angelfish and Otocinclus catfish. This will provide enough space for the fish and ensure a peaceful coexistence.
Care of Otocinclus Catfish
Water Conditions and Parameters
The water temperature should range from 22 to 28°C (72 to 82 °F), with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and hardness of 2 to 15 degrees (dGH). Nitrite and Ammonia levels should be kept at 0 ppm. Moreover, 20-30% of the water should be changed every week to maintain water quality.
Food Habits
Otocinclus Catfish are quite suitable as tank mates for angelfish. They are small and peaceful and get along well with angelfish. They mainly eat algae, which not only creates food competition for your angelfish but will also improve the water quality of the tank. As an additional food, angelfish may eat algae as well.
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danio
Species Overview
- Scientific name: Danio rerio
- Common name: Zebra Danio, Striped Danio
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Size: Adults grow to 5-6 cm long.
- Behavior: Peaceful fish, usually prefer to stay together in groups.
- Color: Blue and silver stripes on the body, which is the source of its name.
- Origin: South Asia, especially India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- Lifespan: Can live up to 2-5 years with proper care.
Residence
Minimum tank size: Zebra Danios are gregarious. A small group (4-5) of Zebra Danios requires 10-15 gallons of water. A tank of 20 gallons (76 liters) or larger is best, as they will be kept with Angelfish.
Suitable plants: Zebra Danios are very active fish and will be kept with Angelfish, so plants that can move in the water current and act as hiding places for the fish are ideal. Java Fern, Anubias, Amazon Sword, and Hornwort are all suitable plants for them.
Care of Zebra Danio
Water conditions and parameters
The ideal temperature is 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
pH level: 6.5 to 7.5.
Water hardness (dGH): 4 to 12 dGH.
Ammonia and nitrate levels should be “0″.
To maintain water quality, perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly).
Feeding Habits
Zebra Danios are small, hardy, and easily escapable fish. It is very important to choose the right food for them to ensure they stay healthy and grow well. The Zebra Danio food list can include:
- Flake food: Any quality flake food available in the market is ideal for Zebra Danios.
- Pellet food: Small-sized pellet food that Zebra Danios can easily eat.
- Live food: Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms.
- Frozen food: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.
- Vegetables: Spinach or small pieces of boiled peas can be given occasionally.
Feeding tips
• Feed small amounts of food 2-3 times a day.
• Feed in such a quantity that they can finish eating within 2-3 minutes.
• Do not leave excess food in the water, as this can spoil the water quality.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish
Species Overview
- Scientific name: Corydoras trilineatus
- Common name: Three Stripe Cory
- Family: Corydoradinae
- Size: Usually about 5 cm (2 in) long as an adult
- Behavior: They are social fish and usually prefer to live in groups. Being alone changes their normal behavior, so keeping at least 5-6 fish together makes them more comfortable.
- Color: The body is usually white or yellow with dark brown or black stripes, which appear in three lines along the sides of the body.
- Origin: Various rivers of South America
- Lifespan: Can usually live for 3 to 5 years
Residence
The Three Stripe Cory is social and likes to be in groups. A 20-gallon tank should be selected if you want to keep at least 5-6 fish. Appropriate aquatic plants (Java Fern, Anubias Nana, Java Moss) and small rocks or caves will make the fish feel safe in the tank.
Care of Three Stripe Cory
Water conditions and parameters: Water temperature for them is 22-28°C (72-82°F), water hardness 2-12 dGH, and pH 6.0-7.5, Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm. Do 20-25% water changes every week.
Diet: Three-striped corys are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both plant and animal foods. They can also eat flake food, pellets, and animal food (earthworms, small snails, or brine shrimp).
Suitable Partners
The Three Stripe Cory is a calm and social fish that gets along well with other calm fish. Angelfish. Tetras, Platies, shrimp, Rasboras, Mollies, etc, are suitable companions for them
Tiger Barb
Tiger-barb
Tiger Barbs can be suitable tank mates for Angelfish because they are active and social fish that live in groups. When kept with Angelfish, Tiger Barbs are generally peaceful if there is a group of 3-4 fish. The presence of only one or two Tiger Barbs can be stressful for Angelfish.
Species Overview
• Scientific Name: Puntigrus tetrazona
• Common Name: Tiger Barb
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Water Type: Freshwater
• Size: Usually 2.5 to 3 inches (about 6 to 7.5 centimeters) long as adults.
• Behavior: Tiger Barbs are very active and can sometimes become aggressive, especially if the aquarium does not have enough space or companionship.
• Color: Their bodies usually have an orange-red or golden hue, combined with black vertical stripes to create a “tiger” look.
• Origin: Rivers and water bodies of Southeast Asia.
• Lifespan: Tiger Barbs generally have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
Minimum Tank Size
Tiger Barbs can be excellent tank mates for Angelfish. Since Angelfish are peaceful but moderately aggressive fish, Tiger Barbs can cause some problems if the tank is overrun with them. A group of 3-4 Tiger Barbs and 3-4 Angelfish require a tank with a capacity of 40-50 gallons of water to swim peacefully.
Water Conditions and Parameters
Angelfish and Tiger Barbs can be kept together, as their water conditions and parameters are almost the same. The parameters that are suitable for both should be:
• Water Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
• pH Level: 6.5-7.5
• Water Hardness: 5-8 dH
• Ammonia and Nitrate levels should be “0”.
• Weekly 20-30% water changes are required to maintain water quality.
Suitable Food
• Flake Food: This is readily available and provides good nutrition for Tiger Barbs and Angelfish. It is best to use high-quality flake food for proper nutrition.
• Pellet Food: This can be a good source of nutrition for them.
• Vegetables: Some Tiger Barbs like to eat vegetables such as spinach or celery, especially if their stomachs are not bloated.
Pictus Catfish
Pictus-Catfish
Species Overview
- Scientific name: Pimelodus pictus
- Common names: Pictus cat, Pictus catfish
- Family: Pimelodidae
- Size: Usually up to 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) long
- Behavior Pictus catfish are generally peaceful and get along well with other fish. However, small fish can fall prey to them, so it is best not to keep them with small fish.
- Color: Their body is usually silvery or white, and there are black or dark spots all over the body.
- Origin: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela
- Lifespan: Generally 8 to 10 years
Residence
10-15 gallons of water should be kept per fish. They like to live in groups, so at least a 50-gallon tank should hold 4-5 Pictus catfish. If other fish or animals go to the tank, the number of Pictus catfish may need to be reduced based on their size and behavior.
Pictus catfish prefer to hide a bit by nature, so suitable plants (Anubias, aromatic plants, Java moss) should be planted to provide them with a safe haven.
Care of Pictus Catfish
Water conditions and parameters: A water temperature of 22-26°C (72-79°F), a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and water hardness of 3-15 dGH are ideal for them. Ammonia and nitrite levels in their tanks should always be kept at 0 ppm. Moreover, 20-25% of the water should be changed every week to keep the water clean and healthy.
Diet: Pictus catfish are omnivores, so they eat a variety of foods. They generally feed on live or dead small fish, invertebrates such as earthworms, and small crustaceans, and they also prefer commercial pellet or flake food.
Suitable Partners
Choosing the right mate is very important for Pictus catfish, as they are active and can be predatory at times. Angelfish, tetras, Calibash, etc., can be suitable companions for them.
Silver-Apollo-Shark
Silver-Apollo-Shark
Species Overview
- Scientific Name: Luciosoma setigerum
- Common Name: Silver Apollo Shark, Apollo Shark, Long-Finned Barb
- Family: Cyprinidae (the carp and minnow family)
- Size: Typically grows up to 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) in length, though it can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) in the wild.
- Behavior: This species is active and semi-aggressive, especially in small spaces.
- Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in rivers and streams in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Lifespan: Typically 5–8 years in captivity with proper care and conditions.
Residence
Minimum Tank Size: Silver Apollo Sharks are fast-swimming, active freshwater fish. To ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for them, a minimum tank size of 75 gallons (about 280 liters) is required.
Plants: Silver Apollo Sharks are fast-swimming, active freshwater fish. Suitable plants for their aquariums include Snake Plant, Peace Lily, and Money Plant.
Care of Silver-Apollo-Shark
Water Conditions and Parameters:
- Water Temperature: 20°-26°C (68°-79°F)
- pH Level: Typically 6.8 to 7.8
- Water Hardness: 5 to 20 dGH
- Ammonia: 0 ppm (parts per million)
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
Food Habits:
Apollo Sharks are generally omnivorous fish, naturally eating a variety of foods. For example:
- Insects: Small fish or aquatic insects, such as larvae or worms.
- Algae: Also eats small amounts of algae and other plant matter.
- Flake Food and Pellets: Quality flake food or pellets made for aquariums are good foods for Apollo Sharks.
- Frozen Food: They also like to eat frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp.
- Vegetables: Occasionally, cucumbers, carrots, or small-boiled vegetables are also good foods for them.
Suitable Tank Mates
Silver Apollo Sharks are generally active and semi-aggressive, especially in small spaces. Therefore, they should be kept with certain fish to maintain a balanced tank environment. Suitable fish for them are Angelfish, Tetra fish (Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra), Gourami fish, Corydoras Catfish, and Pleco fish.
Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy Nose Tetras
Rummy Nose Tetras can be a suitable tank mate for Angelfish, as the two species generally coexist peacefully with each other.
Species Overview
• Scientific name: Hemigrammus rhodostomus
• Common name: Rummy Nose Tetra, Red-Nosed Tetra
• Family: Characidae (Characid family)
• Size: Adults can grow up to 4.5 cm (1.7 in) long.
• Behavior: They are peaceful and social. They live in peaceful environments and get along well with other peaceful fish.
• Color: Their body is mainly transparent gold or light silver, but the top of their head is a bright red color.
• Origin:: This fish is found in the rivers of northwestern Brazil, Guiana, and Peru in South America.
• Lifespan: They can live from 5 to 8 years, but this depends on proper care and water quality.
Residence
It is possible to keep Rummy Nose Tetras with Angelfish, as they are peaceful and generally get along well with each other. However, the recommended tank size for keeping these two fish together is a minimum of 30 gallons (about 114 liters) or larger to give the fish more space and reduce the risk of hostility between them.
Water Conditions and Parameters
Rummy Nose Tetras are quite good tank mates for Angelfish, as they are peaceful and get along well with each other. However, the water conditions and parameters that are suitable for them can be somewhat specific.
• Water temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• pH level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Water hardness: 3 to 8 dGH (soft to medium hard)
• Oxygen: Good oxygenation should be sufficient for these fish, as they can easily become sick from a lack of oxygen.
• Water changes: 20-25% of the water should be changed every week to maintain good water quality.
Suitable Food
Rummy Nose Tetras can be an ideal tank mate for Angelfish, as they are peaceful and get along well with Angelfish.
- Brine Shrimp: Live or frozen brine shrimp are their favorite food.
- Live food: Such as daphnia or celandine, which are tasty and nutritious for them.
- Cubes or pellets: Helpful in meeting their nutritional needs.
Fish to Avoid as Tang Mates
Goldfish
Goldfish
Angelfish and goldfish are not suitable tank mates for each other because they have very different preferences and lifestyles, such as:
Differences in water temperature:
The ideal temperature for angelfish is 24-28°C (75-82°F), which can be too hot for goldfish. Goldfish generally do well in temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F).
Aggressive nature:
Angelfish can be somewhat aggressive, especially when they are feeling territorial or when the breeding season is approaching. Goldfish are generally peaceful, but their large size and tendency to nibble on fins can be stressful for angelfish.
Diet:
Goldfish prefer small, slow-moving foods, which can be a problem for angelfish, as angelfish may take the goldfish’s food while swimming, preventing the goldfish from getting enough food.
Betta Fish
Betta Fish
Betta fish are not suitable tank mates for angelfish because they have many behavioral, dietary, and environmental differences.
Behavioral incompatibility
Betta fish are generally very aggressive and known to be solitary. Male betta fish are aggressive towards other fish, which can lead to aggression towards larger fish like angelfish.
Territory
Betta fish are very protective of their own territory. As a result, they can get into fights with angelfish over territory
Water and environmental differences
Betta fish generally do well in warm water and can live in low-oxygen environments, while angelfish generally feel more comfortable in cooler, medium-oxygen water. Due to these differences in water conditions, they do not get along well with each other.
Fin and physical attacks
Despite the large and sharp fins of angelfish, betta fish can attack these fins, which can cause problems for angelfish.
Freshwater Shrimp
Crystal Red (Bee) Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp are not usually suitable tank mates for angelfish because of:
Aggressive behavior
Angelfish are generally predatory fish. They will prey on small, soft-bodied creatures, such as shrimp. If the shrimp are small, they may become part of the angelfish’s diet.
Health risks
If shrimp are kept together with angelfish, the angelfish may attack them, causing injuries to the shrimp, which can be fatal.
Predation or attacks
Some angelfish species may chew off parts of the shrimp’s body, such as their legs or tail, which can injure the shrimp.
