What Fish Can Go With Angelfish?

Angelfish are beautiful and popular freshwater fish known for their graceful appearance and unique shape. With their vibrant colors and flowing fins, they make a stunning addition to any aquarium. But as a responsible fish owner, it’s important to consider the compatibility of angelfish with other fish.

So, what fish can go with angelfish? Angelfish are generally peaceful fish but can be territorial, especially during breeding. Therefore, it’s important to choose tankmates that are compatible in terms of size, temperament, and water requirements. Some suitable tankmates for angelfish include tetras, gouramis, rasboras, and corydoras catfish. However, it’s crucial to research each species’ individual needs before adding them to your aquarium.

Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right tankmates for your angelfish while ensuring a harmonious and thriving aquatic environment.

Key Takeaways

Here are a few key points to consider when selecting tankmates for your angelfish:

Tankmates for Angelfish
Tetras
Gouramis
Rasboras
Corydoras Catfish

• Tetras: These small, peaceful fish are great tankmates for angelfish. Species like neon tetras and cardinal tetras add color and activity to the aquarium.
• Gouramis: Many gourami species, such as the peaceful dwarf gourami and the colorful honey gourami, can coexist peacefully with angelfish.
• Rasboras: Rasboras are peaceful, active fish that can create a beautiful schooling effect in the aquarium. Harlequin rasboras and celestial pearl danios are great choices.
• Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling catfish are peaceful and can help keep the tank clean. Popular species include bronze corydoras and pygmy corydoras.

Choosing Compatible Tankmates

When selecting tankmates for your angelfish, it’s important to consider their social behavior, size, and water preferences. Here are some factors to keep in mind while making your choice:

Social Behavior

Angelfish are generally peaceful, but they can become territorial during breeding or if they feel threatened. To ensure harmony in the aquarium, choose fish that have a similar temperament. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species that may stress out your angelfish.

Size Compatibility

Angelfish can grow up to 6 inches or more, so it’s essential to choose tankmates that won’t become prey or overwhelm them. Avoid small fish that can fit into the angel’s mouth, as they may be considered food. Opt for fish of similar size or those that are larger than the angelfish.

Water Preferences

Different fish species have specific water requirements in terms of pH, temperature, and hardness. It’s important to choose tankmates that have similar preferences to avoid stress and health issues. Most tropical freshwater fish have similar water requirements, but it’s still crucial to research and provide the best conditions for all the fish in your aquarium.

Best Angelfish Tankmates

To help you make an informed decision, here’s a list of some compatible tankmates for angelfish:

Tetras

Tetras are colorful and active fish that add beauty and movement to any aquarium. They are generally peaceful and enjoy swimming in schools. Some recommended tetra species include:

• Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi): These popular tetras have vibrant blue and red colors, making them an excellent choice for angelfish tanks. They are small, reaching around 1.5 inches in size.
• Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi): Cardinal tetras resemble neon tetras but have longer red stripes. They prefer slightly warmer water and are slightly larger, reaching about 2 inches in size.
• Black Neon Tetras (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi): These tetras have a beautiful iridescent black color with a blue stripe. They are peaceful and grow up to 2 inches.

Gouramis

Gouramis are tropical fish known for their vibrant colors and unique labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe oxygen from the air. They have peaceful temperaments and can make good tankmates for angelfish. Consider the following gourami species:

• Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster lalius): These small gouramis are peaceful and come in a variety of colors. They typically grow up to 2-3 inches and are suitable for smaller aquariums.
• Honey Gourami (Trichogaster chuna): Honey gouramis have a beautiful golden-yellow color and are peaceful community fish. They are small, growing up to 2-3 inches.

Rasboras

Rasboras are small, peaceful fish that belong to the minnow family. They are active swimmers and display beautiful colors. Consider the following rasbora species as potential tankmates:

• Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha): Harlequin rasboras have a striking combination of orange, red, and black colors. They are peaceful and grow up to 2 inches.
• Celestial Pearl Danio (Celestichthys margaritatus): Also known as galaxy rasboras, these small fish have a unique celestial pattern. They are peaceful and grow up to 1 inch.

Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras catfish are popular bottom-dwelling fish known for their playful behavior and ability to keep the tank clean. They are peaceful and get along well with angelfish. Consider the following species:

• Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus): These catfish have a bronze color and are peaceful bottom dwellers. They grow up to 3-4 inches and prefer to be kept in a group.
• Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus): Pygmy corydoras are adorable tiny catfish that reach about 1 inch in size. They are peaceful and prefer to swim in schools.

Conclusion

When selecting tankmates for your angelfish, it’s essential to consider their social behavior, size, and water preferences. Tetras, gouramis, rasboras, and corydoras catfish make good companions for angelfish due to their peaceful nature and similar water requirements. However, it’s always recommended to research each species individually to ensure compatibility and provide the best possible environment for all the fish in your aquarium. By selecting the right tankmates, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing aquatic community that will bring joy to your eyes and keep your angelfish happy and stress-free.