Angelfish Tank Mates: 35 Best & Worst Angelfish Companions

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Too many times, I had issues growing my angelfish along with other tank mates. Sometimes my angels were too aggressive. In other cases, their companions were the ones to blame. That got me into researching what the best tank mates for angelfish are, and what fish you should avoid.

These are the best tank mates for angelfish:

Tank Mate	Compatibility Rating
Cory Catfish	Excellent
Bolivian Ram	Excellent
Bristlenose Pleco	Excellent
Keyhole Cichlids	Excellent
Kuhli Loaches	Excellent
Swordtails	Excellent
Siamese Algae Eaters	Excellent
Sailfin Platy	Excellent
Red Tail Shark	Excellent
Nerite Snails	Excellent
Boesemani Rainbow	Excellent
Praecox Rainbow	Excellent
Bushynose Pleco	Excellent
Mollies	Excellent
Pencilfish	Excellent
Guppies	Excellent
Platies	Good
German Rams	Good
Dwarf Gouramis	Good
Kribensis Cichlids	Good
Cherry Barb	Good
Lemon Tetras	Good
Common Plecos	Good
Yoyo Loach	Good
Head and Tail Light Tetras	Good
Malaysian Snails	Good
Zebra Loaches	Good
Double Red Agassizii	Good
Hatchetfish	Good
Rummy Nose Tetras	Reasonable

These are among the worst tank mates for angelfish:

Tank Mate	Compatibility Rating
Oscar Fish	Bad
Shrimp & Lobsters	Bad
Betta Fish	Bad
Neon Tetras	Terrible
Harlequin Rasbora	Terrible

Best Angelfish Tank Mates

1. Cory Catfish

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Corydoras catfish are shy and timid creatures that are highly popular because of their wide-ranging types and attractive scales. They are also schooling fish, just like angels. As such, they thrive in environments populated by other fish.

However, with an average size of 2.5 inches, even though they are smaller than angelfish, you don’t have to worry about your angels eating them. That is because cory fish prefer the bottom of the tank, whereas angels dwell in the middle.^[1] Their interactions are minimal, which means that conflict between the two of them is less likely to manifest.

2. Bolivian Ram

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Rams are popular tank fish because they are gorgeous. Additionally, they have hardy bodies that will survive the varied conditions they might encounter in an angelfish tank. You don’t have to worry about your angels attacking them.

First of all, rams won’t let fish the size of angels bully them. They are more than happy to fight back. Secondly, they prefer the bottom of the tank.^[2] That will prevent unnecessary aggression.

3. Bristlenose Pleco

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Plecos, which come from the Amazon River Basin, have a similar natural habitat to angelfish. This allows them to thrive in identical tank conditions. At 6 inches, they are large enough to repel any attack by an angel. Also, they spend a lot of time at the bottom.^[3] This is where they find the algae and leftover food they eat.

Not only will they keep your tank clean, but they will steer clear of any aggressive angels which prefer the middle of the aquarium. The fact that they are quite peaceful means that they are unlikely to alienate your angels.

4. Keyhole Cichlids

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Keyhole cichlids are hardy enough to survive in water conditions that differ from the ideal. They are very peaceful, perfect for any community tank because they are unlikely to cause trouble or antagonize their tank mates.

That being said, even if your angels are particularly aggressive, keyhole cichlids are five inches in size. They are more than large enough to stand up to your angels. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry too much about them being bullied.

5. Kuhli Loaches

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Loaches are not necessarily the most popular species in the world. This is because they are nocturnal creatures that are primarily active at night. As such, they are not that fun to observe in the day time. They look like eels rather than ordinary fish, which is another factor that might turn people off.

But if you are in desperate need of a fish that can occupy the same space as an angel, the Kuhli loach has you covered. It is 5 inches, large enough to keep bad-tempered angels away. Also, even if your angels are unnaturally aggressive, loaches start roaming at a time when angels have become inactive.

The two species won’t get in one another’s way. The fact that loaches have a peaceful temperament helps. Though, you shouldn’t introduce juvenile loaches to a tank with adult angels. The angels might eat them.

6. Swordtails

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Swordtails get their name from the elongated anal fin seen in males. They give birth to live offspring that are typically eaten by the parents or other fish in the tank. At 4 inches, they are large enough to fight your angels if the need arises. However, they are also peaceful and unlikely to start conflicts with the angelfish.

Also, Swordtails are hardy enough to thrive even in the face of aggressive behavior from tank mates. As a fishkeeper, I found it quite easy to raise the two species together. You may also find it easy to add more companions to the tank beside them.

7. Siamese Algae Eaters

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Despite the name, this is a type of fish, not another snail. Though, as its name suggests, it has a reputation for its considerable algae consumption. It even eats black beard algae. You don’t have to worry about your angels bullying the siamese algae eater.

It grows to a size of 6 inches. Like the angelfish, it is also territorial and can become aggressive from time to time. You can control this behavior by making sure that it has plenty of food to eat. The Siamese algae eater needs a school of at least five other fish to keep its aggressive tendencies under control.

The fact that they are herbivores is a good thing because it means that they won’t fight your angels for food. They don’t eat the same kinds of meals. This makes the algae eater a reliable option.

8. Sailfin Platy

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

These creatures can reach sizes of 6 inches. That is more than enough to contend with angelfish, even the aggressive variety. Not only do they live in similar water conditions as angels, but they are peaceful and friendly fish.

That being said, you shouldn’t forget that they are prone to diseases that can make them a challenge to care for. You should keep an eye on their fins and colors. If you notice ripped tails or white spots, remove them immediately.

9. Red Tail Shark

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Redtail sharks are not actual sharks. But they have a red tail that creates an exciting contrast with their black body, making them quite beautiful to behold. They have similar temperature and pH parameters to angelfish, so the two can survive in the same tank.

They can also live with barbs, tetras, and gourami. For that reason, they won’t have a problem fitting into a community tank with a variety of fish, with angels being one of them. Their name shouldn’t scare you; they are quite docile when it comes to fish tank companionship.

10. Nerite Snails

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

These snails can be counted upon to eat the algae in your tank. Again, because they are small, you would expect angelfish to attack them. But angels only present a danger to giant snails. They ignore the smaller ones like Nerite.

Also, Nerite snails don’t have the breeding problem you find in Malaysian snails. Their growth is usually stunt when introducing to freshwater. Since this is the type of conditions angelfish require, Nerite snails may be the perfect choice for your tank.

11. Boesemani Rainbow

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

These creatures are quite dull in appearance when they are young. But as they mature, they develop stunning colors consisting of iridescent blue and bright yellow. They reach an average size of 4 inches. That makes them too big for angelfish to eat.

Even though they prefer hard water, they can survive in soft water. As such, they shouldn’t have a problem living in the same tank as angels. Also, the fact that they are peaceful works in your favor.

On a side note, I have dedicated an entire article to answer whether or not angelfish and rainbow fish can be kept together. I also mentioned there the required water temperature and pH levels to increase the likelihood of coexistence between these species.

12. Praecox Rainbow

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

These are also peaceful fish that are easy to care for. They are just as beautiful as their Boesemani cousins. At 3 inches, they are big enough to stand up to angelfish. Their temperament also discourages them from seeking conflict.

In most situations, they will leave peacefully with your angels. That being said, I recommend that you introduce the rainbows at the point they have already matured. When they are young, size differences may pose an issue.

13. Bushynose Pleco

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Unlike some other plecos that reach massive sizes, the Bushynose species ranges between 4 and 6 inches. As such, you can afford to keep Bushynose Plecos in the same tank as your angelfish. They are too large for angelfish to mess with them.

And if you only have one of their kind in the tank, they will maintain a mostly peaceful temperament. In fact, some of them are so shy that they might spend the entire day hiding, only emerging at night. Such behavior does not encourage conflict to take root.

They also eat algae and leftovers, so you can rely on them to keep the tank relatively clean. Because of their size, you do not require an excessively large tank to house Bushynose plecos with angelfish.

14. Mollies

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Mollies are beautiful livebearers that are easy to breed. But they are prone to disease, which is why they should be quarantined before you add them to the angelfish tank. Many mollies are already sick by the time you collect them from the store.

Healthy mollies are sturdy creatures that can adapt to various conditions. They can live in saltwater if the need arises. They can also coexist with mild-mannered fish, like angelfish. However, if your angels are aggressive, mollies, which have an average size of 3 inches, are more than capable of holding their own against them.

If you own the two species, here is an article I wrote about whether or not angelfish and mollies get along. I also went through their aquarium requirement and mentioned a few tips to increase the chances of coexistence.

15. Pencilfish

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

This species has two factors working in its favor. First of all, it prefers the top layer of the tank, whereas angelfish inhabits the middle. As such, the creatures are less likely to run into one another. Secondly, pencil fish are too large for your angelfish to eat.^[4]

For that reason, your angels are less likely to breach the top layer to hunt your pencil fish down for feeding purposes. Also, the two usually do not encounter on feeding times. The sunken flakes are traditionally eaten by the angelfish, while Pencilfish typically consumes those that float.

16. Guppies

Compatibility Rate: Excellent

Guppies are 2 inches in size. If you want to keep them in the same tank as angels, introduce them to the tank while the angels are still young. This will teach the angels to treat the guppies as tank mates rather than food when they mature.

Guppies are pretty easy to keep and breed. They don’t require much, which is why beginners are encouraged to get them. That being said, aggressive angels should be carefully observed in such situations. You cannot ignore the fact that guppies are just 2 inches.

If your angels keep attempting to eat them, you should take them out of the tank. That being said, I found it quite easy raising the two species together. Guppies are generally swift and stick to the upper parts of the aquarium. Angelfish, on the other hand, are relatively slow and stay in the middle.

17. Platies

Compatibility Rate: Good

Platies and angels don’t look like the best tank mates since platies like hard water, while angelfish prefer the soft variety. There is also the fact that platies have a reputation for hunting and eating the fry of other fish.

In that regard, platies cannot survive in tanks whose water is too soft. However, the water in most angelfish tanks is only mildly soft. And Platies are hardy creatures that can survive in conditions that differ slightly from what they need.^[5]

Also, at 2.5 inches, they are small enough to share a tank with your angelfish without crowding them. Angelfish react aggressively to overcrowding. If you want more angelfish, you should keep platies away because they will eat the angelfish eggs and fry. But if you’re going to control your angelfish population, the fact that platies are fry hunters works in your favor.

18. German Rams

Compatibility Rate: Good

Like their Bolivian counterparts, German rams are beautiful. That is one of the reasons why people like keeping them. They don’t seem like the best angelfish tank mates because they are so delicate and difficult to maintain. You should leave them in the hands of experienced aquarists that are willing to spend the time and resources to care for them.

That being said, if you are willing to make an effort, you can still keep German rams in the same tank as angels. This is because the creatures spend a lot of time at the bottom. As such, they will stay away from your angels.

19. Dwarf Gouramis

Compatibility Rate: Good

In their natural habitat, dwarf gouramis and angelfish live in entirely different parts of the world. However, dwarf gouramis can still live in the same tank as angelfish. At 2 inches, they are quite small. If your angel is excessively territorial and aggressive, it will either bully or eat your dwarf gouramis.

In such cases, the species isn’t an appropriate companion. On the other hand, if your angel doesn’t have any extreme behavior as far as aggression is concerned, it can coexist with the gouramis; they are relatively peaceful and reserved. They can also live in a variety of conditions.

People keep these two creatures in the same tanks all the time. Since both species are common, I have dedicated an entire article on whether or not can angelfish live with gouramis. I also mentioned there six easy steps to make their coexistence more likely.

20. Kribensis Cichlids

Compatibility Rate: Good

These dwarf cichlids have beautiful colors. At 4 inches, they are large enough to fight aggressive angels. They also have a mild aggressive streak that manifests when they spawn. They have been known to attack smaller fish. For that reason, you don’t have to worry about angelfish bullying them.

That being said, because angels also become problematic during spawning, to maintain the peace, you shouldn’t keep any other fish in the tank except for Kribensis cichlids and angels. If the Kribensis can’t attack the angels because of their size, they will happily assault the other species in their vicinity, especially the smaller ones.

21. Cherry Barb

Compatibility Rate: Good

Barbs are a challenge. That is because they have a reputation for nipping other fish. And if they are kept with angelfish, they could make their lives miserable. That being said, cherry barbs do not manifest this dangerous behavior quite as frequently.

Additionally, they do less nipping if you keep them in groups of six or more. That being said, there are no guarantees. You have to watch a tank that has cherry barbs to ensure that they are not nipping your angels. If they do, take them out of the aquarium immediately.

22. Lemon Tetras

Compatibility Rate: Good

Lemon tetras are hit or miss. Plenty of aquarists will tell you that they have successfully kept lemon tetras and angelfish in the same tank without observing any violence. But just as many fish owners will tell you that their own experiment with angelfish and lemon tetras ended terribly.

Lemon tetras have several factors working in their favor. They enjoy similar water conditions as angelfish, including a planted tank and soft water. However, at 2 inches, they are small enough for your angelfish to try and eat them.

Fortunately, they are peaceful creatures that can coexist with any fish that has no interest in eating them. If your angelfish is well-behaved, it will get along with your tetras. But if it has a pronounced violent streak, your tetras will suffer.

Be sure to keep at least six tetras in the tank. Even if your angel isn’t the aggressor, the tetras could nip at its fins. This is less likely to happen if the tetras live in large groups. Regardless of the situation, lemon tetras are a risk that requires some experimentation before you can determine whether or not they are compatible with your angels.

23. Common Plecos

Compatibility Rate: Good

Common plecos are a problem. They tend to grow to enormous sizes, which means that they could crowd your angelfish tank as they mature. However, you don’t have to worry about your angelfish retaliating against them in the process.

In this case, the plecos are more likely to victimize them. For your angelfish to live peacefully, plecos should be introduced to their tank as juveniles. Juvenile plecos are peaceful creatures that eat algae.

But what happens when they mature into aggressive adults that are more than happy to attack other fish? You need a tank that is at least 200 gallons. This will give them plenty of space to roam without being alienated by the presence of your angels.

Also, I suggest that you limit the plecos to one. They don’t seem to like their kind.

24. Yoyo Loach

Compatibility Rate: Good

Yoyo loaches are small enough for angelfish to threaten them. However, if you are determined to keep them in the same tank as angels, you can do so by making sure that you rear them in groups of at least five.

This way, your angels are less likely to harass them. It is also worth noting that these creatures spend a lot of time at the bottom. That will ensure that they steer clear of aggressive angels. However, you need a large tank to house both species.

25. Head and Tail Light Tetras

Compatibility Rate: Good

Of all the tetras, this variety is one of the most peaceful. This is why people are willing to keep them in the same tanks as angelfish even though they are 2 inches, small enough for angelfish to antagonize.

They are easy to look after, and they can survive in the same conditions as angelfish, especially if you keep them in groups of at least six. As such, you have a good reason to be optimistic that they will coexist peacefully with your angels.

That being said, because of their size, you should observe the tank to ensure that neither species is misbehaving. However, keep in mind that the angels are not the only problem in his situation. The tetras could just as quickly nip at their fins.

26. Malaysian Snails

Compatibility Rate: Good

Fish are not the only creatures that must be kept in your angelfish tank. You can also add snails. They are so common these days that some stores give them out for free. At 1 inch, they are quite small. However, your angels are likely to leave them be.

Snails are not just interesting to observe. You can also trust them to keep your tank clean by eating algae and leftover food. Malaysian snails are only problematic because they breed too quickly. And they can make your aquarium ugly when they multiply.

If you are interested, here is an article where I wrote about whether or not angelfish eat snails. The bottom line was no, although I also listed those kinds which are likely to work best with your angelfish. Moreover, I described on which occasions snails may be bad for your angels.

27. Zebra Loaches

Compatibility Rate: Good

These grow to a size of 3.5 inches, which will make your angelfish less likely to eat them. Zebra Loaches are also small enough to live with angels in an average-sized tank without your angels feeling overcrowded.

Their peaceful personalities will discourage them from seeking out conflicts with their tank mates. But they are quite spunky; they won’t let aggressive angels bully them. Their penchant for staying at the bottom of the tank will prevent unwarranted bursts of violence.

28. Double Red Agassizii

Compatibility Rate: Good

It isn’t that hard to understand why these creatures can survive in a tank with angels. They can reach a size of 4 inches, which makes them too large for angelfish to bully or eat. But if you want the best results, you should only keep one male in a tank with multiple females.

Multiple males are more likely to engage in conflict against one another. That is particularly true when you bring reproduction to the equation. Though, that won’t necessarily bother your angelfish. At least not for the most part.

29. Hatchetfish

Compatibility Rate: Good

Hatchetfish species, like the marbled hatchet fish, do not live in the same layer of water as angelfish. Angelfish usually swim in the middle. So the chances of these two species running into one another frequently enough to trigger conflict are meager.

Though, you should know that frightened hatchet fish tend to jump. They are not compatible with a lidless aquarium. If that is the only one you own, perhaps you should keep the number of fish to the minimum.

30. Rummy Nose Tetras

Compatibility Rate: Reasonable

Young rummy nose tetras are at risk of being eaten by angelfish because they look like tantalizing snacks. As such, you shouldn’t add them to the tank until they are grown. But even adult tetras are only 2 inches, so your angels could still attack them.

That being said, these creatures are hardy, capable of surviving in the same tank conditions as angels. They are also peaceful, especially if you keep them in groups of at least 6. Their small size means that they don’t take up as much space in the angelfish tank.

They are also less likely to get in the way of your angels. They get their name from the red mark on their head, which may push other species away as a warning sign. Either way, observe them. In an ideal scenario, they will coexist peacefully with angels. But if you see signs of your angels attacking them, take the tetras out.

Fish You Shouldn’t Keep With Angelfish

The thirty species I listed earlier are those I found capable of living along with angelfish. That is why I rated their companionship capability quite high. Nevertheless, there are a few species you should avoid. These are divided into two main groups; these that will harass your angels, and those that will be eaten by them.

1. Oscar Fish

Compatibility Rate: Bad

As I mentioned earlier, Oscars could be too large and aggressive for angelfish. The two species also belong to the same Cichlids family. That means they swim in similar areas and encounter one another quite often. Nevertheless, like the Neon tetras case, there are ways to make them get along.

I have dedicated an entire article for that matter, which I highly recommend that you read. Still, I will mention a few techniques here. The first step would be introducing hiding places for your angels. Start with plants and decorations. These will get them out of sight.

Also, get a relatively large tank. The more room your fish have to swim, the less likely they will encounter one another. In this case, I encourage you to get the most massive aquarium you can afford. That is primarily because the two species are relatively large.

2. Shrimp & Lobsters

Compatibility Rate: Bad

These aren’t precisely fish, although still quite popular. That is why I found it necessary to mention them in this section. The main reason you shouldn’t keep angelfish and shrimp/lobsters in the same tank is size differences.

Shrimps do not get along with angels since they are too small and slow. That makes them easy prey for angels, as I elaborated in this article. Even though they naturally hang out at the bottom, you shouldn’t trust that. Angelfish may visit the bottom sections from now and then, and nibble your shrimps terribly.

Lobsters are also a bad idea to keep along with angelfish, but for a different reason. They are merely too large and aggressive for angels. Their massive claws are quite slow, although it takes only one successful attempt to rip off your angelfish’s fins. And once they do, it takes up to a week for your angel to catch a disease.

3. Betta Fish

Compatibility Rate: Bad

Bettas are a bad choice to keep along with angelfish, primarily because both species are quite aggressive. That is one of the reasons why people usually keep betta fish isolated in their own tank. The two also share the middle level of the tank, which increases their encounters frequencies dramatically.

I personally failed in keeping the two together, although some believe you may act to keep the peace between the two.^[6] As for Oscars, you should get a large tank with plenty of vegetation. Moreover, you are encouraged to add your angelfish when they are still young. In their younger years, angels are less aggressive and may get used to your bettas when they reach adolescence.

4. Neon Tetras

Compatibility Rate: Terrible

Angelfish and neon tetras typically do not get along, mainly because tetras are relatively small and likely to be consumed by your angels. That is the case with Neons, along with Cardinal, Black, Congo Mexican, and Black Phantom Tetras. Since Neons are quite popular, I have included them at the top of this list.

Moreover, that particular specie tends to swim at the same level as angelfish, which is the middle of the tank. That makes them easy prey for your angels, which are relatively aggressive and extensive. However, there are ways to keep the peace between the two families.

I have elaborated on that on a different article, where I discussed whether or not angelfish will eat tetras. The bottom line was yes, although I mentioned their a few ways to make them coexist. One technique was to introduce the two at the same time when the angels are relatively small and mature. That will make them accustomed to tetras when they grow and reach their full size.

5. Harlequin Rasbora

Compatibility Rate: Terrible

That particular kind requires similar water conditions as angelfish, including temperature, water hardness, and pH levels. Nevertheless, Harlequin Rasbora is just too tiny to share a tank with relatively large, aggressive angelfish.

When the angelfish are young, you may not notice any issues. The two species can live together peacefully when they share similar dimensions. Nevertheless, you should expect a different behavior when the angels reach their adult life. It could be that the two will get used to each other by then. However, if they don’t, you should act immediately to separate them.

What Kind of Fish Can You Keep with Angelfish?

There are too many fish species in the world today, and quite a number of them can be kept in tanks. As such, choosing an appropriate mate for your angelfish can present a challenge. However, in the beginning, I encourage you to keep the following in mind:

1. The Swimming Level

Different fish prefer to inhabit different levels of the tank. Some are bottom dwellers. Others like the middle. Quite a few prefer the top. Angelfish enjoy the middle section of the aquarium, though you shouldn’t be too surprised to find them at the top.

The level that the tank mates prefer to occupy only matters if your angels are aggressive. If you fear that they might attack their tank mates, you definitely need species that occupy a different tank layer.

This will reduce the chances of the angelfish and its tank mates running into one another, bringing any violent behavior under control. But if your angels and their companions are peaceful or mild-mannered, the aquarium level doesn’t matter. They can swim around one another without a problem.

2. Water Parameters

Angels live in water whose temperature ranges between 78 and 82 degrees F. They also need a pH of 6.8-7. You need to find tank mates that can survive within those same parameters.^[7] If the requirements of the species you have chosen vary slightly, make sure that they are hardy enough to thrive in an angelfish tank despite these differences.

You should also keep in mind the hardness of the water. Angelfish prefer slightly soft, acidic water. That is one of the reasons why I suggest you use tap water for your angelfish instead of bottled water. If you aren’t familiar with the terms, feel free to check out this guide, where I discussed whether angelfish prefer soft or hard water.

If your companions prefer hard water, you may consider a different kind of fish. However, angelfish are quite hardy and may adjust to the water they have already known from the pet shop. Hence, choosing a companion who has already lived along your angels in the fish store may be a smart choice.

3. Size Differences

This should be among your first considerations. Angelfish tend to eat smaller fish who share their tank. In fact, they might eat anything they can fit in their mouths.^[8] For this reason, the fish you choose to introduce shouldn’t be smaller than 2 inches.

On the other hand, massive fish like Oscars could bully your angels, possibly even killing them. Find a tank mate within the acceptable range of your angel’s size. It must be too big for your angel to eat but small enough to give the angelfish a fighting chance if conflict breaks out.

I also suggest that you keep a companion who had already matured. Sometimes the tank mate may seem tiny because it hasn’t reached its maximum size yet. When visiting the fish store, ask the seller which fish had lived for a couple of months without presenting a significant growth.

4. Aggression & Attitude

When it comes to aggression, you need to find a balance. Some angels feature bully characteristics. These particular angels can’t be paired with shy and timid fish. You need species that are strong, willing to fight back against antagonistic angels.

But the tank mates can’t be so aggressive that they start bullying the angelfish, especially if they are much more significant. Finding a balance is a challenge, but still possible. If you notice a dominant fish, you may take it out of the tank for a while.

After a couple of weeks in isolation, the problematic angel or tank mate may change its behavior. Then, you may put it back in the tank and see what happens. If it still doesn’t get along with other fish, perhaps it shouldn’t be in your community tank at all.

5. Food Requirements

Angelfish are omnivores. That makes them capable of living peacefully with other omnivores. However, you have a better chance of avoiding conflict by stocking your tank with fish that are herbivores. That is because they are less likely to fight with your angels during meal times.

This is also where the swimming level I previously mentioned comes into place. Fish that prefer the bottom are less likely to compete over your angels over food. That is particularly true when you are using foods of different density.

Flakes usually float, and those will be consumed by your angels pretty quickly. However, sinking grains will reach the bottom immediately, and will be eaten by your bottom dwellers. Hence, I suggest that you use more than one kind of food in your community tank. That will lower competition over food dramatically.

6. Swimming Speed

There is nothing wrong with adding fast-moving fish to an angelfish tank. That being said, some fish are too fast and hyperactive. Then, by zipping around the tank regularly, they can induce stress in angelfish. Stressed angels are more likely to resort to violence.

If you are planning to add fast species like guppies or mollies, for instance, you should consider the tank’s dimensions. Swift swimmers should have a broad area to dwell on. That is the only way to minimize stress. For that matter, stick to a 20-gallon tank and over.

How to Make Angelfish Get Along With Their Tank Mates

Some fish get along with angelfish naturally. As mentioned above, those usually feature similar sizes as angels and are quite docile. Still, there are always those fish who require more attention. With those, you should act to increase the chances of coexistence.

1. Start With a Large Tank

The rule of thumb here is simple. If you own a large tank, your fish are less likely to encounter one another. That is particularly useful when you are growing two species who do not get along. Moreover, a roomy environment will reduce stress, which will result in less aggressive fish.

If you are interested, feel free to check out my aquariums buyer’s guide. I have mentioned there the 20-gallons kit I personally use with great success. I was even able to raise angelfish along with Oscars in this aquarium. I have also suggested an expert kit there, which is 55 gallons in volume. I haven’t used it in person; however, it had received hundreds of positive reviews online.

2. Maintain The Right Water Requirements

Since angelfish are known to be aggressive, I would start with optimizing their water requirements as much as possible. You should strive to these parameters in your tank:

Water Temperature: 76-82 °F
pH Range: 6.5-7.5
Water Hardness Range: 5-13

Out of these three, the most important is temperature. I found that heat fluctuations make my fish nervous, and sometimes even aggressive. I was able to solve that issue by using a particular heater, which keeps the water unrealistically stable. You may read my recommendations and reviews about it here.

3. Keep a Precise Feeding Schedule

Angelfish tend to be more aggressive when hungry or malnourished. That will also drive them into eating your plants and ruining your aquarium decoration. To avoid them, you should maintain a strict feeding schedule.

Make sure that you feed your adult angels two times a day. Younger angelfish should be fed more frequently, approximately 3-4 times a day. Regarding portions sizes, you should feed your fish in a way it takes them 30 seconds to finish their meal. Here I went into the details more deeply, including what type of food you should use.

4. Add Vegetation & Decorations

The best way to keep the peace between your angelfish and their companions is by limiting their encounters. When they are out of each other’s sight, your fish are likely to mind their own business. For that, I suggest that you put a sufficient amount of vegetation and decoration in your tank.

That will also resemble the angelfish’s natural habitat in the Amazon Basin. A planted aquarium will reduce stress, and provide your angels with places to lay eggs upon. However, make sure not to stuff your tank too much. Your fish also need space for swimming.

Conclusions

Many types of fish get along with angelfish. These are typically considered docile and prefer swimming at the top or the bottom of the tank. Since angelfish prefer the middle level, you should stick to the fish who prefer different areas.

Even if your angelfish don’t get along with its companions, you may act to maintain peace. The first step would be providing your angel with its ideal water conditions. When you eliminate environmental sources of stress, hostility between dwellers is less likely to occur.

I hope my article had shed some light on the best and worst angelfish tank mates. By following this guide, I am sure you will be able to maintain a peaceful, beautiful community tank.