Although angelfish can be aggressive, they will thrive in community tanks that are not overcrowded, have the right environment of the correct size, and have fish that don’t have high aggression levels.
Angelfish will always enjoy companions if you ensure they are a good match. Angelfish will breed and lay their eggs in community tanks. Although this could encourage aggression, you can remove their eggs.
Keeping Angelfish As Community Fish
As a species, freshwater angelfish are known to be easy-going and typically peaceful fish. Still, they will not get along with very small fish.
As they are omnivores and natural predators, very small fish species are at risk of being eaten.
Additionally, angelfish have a reputation as being slightly aggressive, and they could bully other fish in a community tank.
However, if their tank conditions are ideal and perfected, and they are kept with suitable tank mates, these behaviors will rarely become a problem.
Angelfish Get Along With Fish With Similar Tank Needs
Before you start your community tank with angelfish, you will need to research the fish species’ compatibility that you’re considering adding.
Considering factors such as tank water conditions and the newcomers’ dietary requirements would be best.
It would be best to find tankmates with needs as similar as possible to angelfish, as competition for food could lead to aggressive behavior.
Angelfish Get Along With Fish Bigger In Size
Although it could be difficult to imagine when you see tiny angelfish at the local pet store, these tiny and cute fish will grow until six to 8 inches long when they reach maturity. As angelfish are predators, they will easily snack on any fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
Fish as tiny as 1 inch will become a source of food when your angelfish become adults. It would be best to consider fish at least 2 inches in size to prevent your angelfish from eating them.
However, you also don’t want to place your angelfish with larger fish. Although these fish won’t eat your angelfish, they can hurt them enough to the point where they are killed.
Angelfish Will Get Along With Fish With Similar Aggression
This is where things could become tricky. You need to do your best to balance how aggressive your angelfish are with the aggression levels of their tank mates.
Although angelfish may seem like literal angels, due to their pretty colors and fins, you cannot let these attributes fool you. Angelfish can become bullies that constantly terrorize weak and meek fish.
However, on the flip side, angelfish could also just as quickly become the victims of bullying, especially when they are kept with fish that are fin nippers, such as serape tetras and tiger barbs.
It would be good if you found the sweet spot, such as a fish that won’t let angelfish walk over them but are not completely defenseless either.
It would be best to go with peaceful tankmates that make good community fish and avoid any fish with a reputation for being aggressive, such as convict cichlids.
What Are Some Of The Best Tankmates For Angelfish?
Every fish has their ideal tankmates, and this is especially the case when it comes to the lovely angelfish.
By knowing which types of fish to choose, it will dramatically decrease the chances of conflict and chaos in your community tank:
Zebra Loaches As Schooling Tankmates
Zebra loaches are schooling bottom feeders and make great companions to angelfish in a community tank.
These fish won’t get massive, but they do well in the same water parameters as angelfish.
They also have quirky personalities that won’t take any aggression or bullying from angelfish. Zebra loaches will also do a great job in helping you keep your décor and substrate clean.
Platies As Friendly Tankmates
Platies are highly popular aquarium staples, and they are not only extremely tough and easy to care for, but they are attractive little fish that angelfish won’t nibble on.
Although platies are some of the smaller species of fish, they make excellent tankmates for angelfish, as they are friendly and social but won’t tolerate any bullying.
Platies will grow around two to three inches, so they are way too large for an angelfish to turn into a meal. Additionally, platies are also very easy to breed and are livebearers.
As long as you take care to transfer any highly pregnant females to a breeding tank, their young won’t be eaten by angelfish and other fish in the community.
Corydoras Catfish As Bottom Feeding Tankmates
Corydoras catfish originate from South America, just like our beautiful angelfish. Although many different species of catfish are available, they are all similar to angelfish regarding their needs and care.
A school of these fish will swim around in your aquarium, scavenging on the bottom for any uneaten food scraps.
This means they are not only fun to look at, but they will help you clean your tank! However, it is crucial to remember that catfish must be kept in a school.
In the wild, they will travel in large groups exceeding a hundred. It would be best if you plan on keeping at least five, but ten or more would be best.
You won’t regret adding a corydoras catfish to your community tank, as they will interact and play with angelfish!
Swordtails With Defense Mechanisms
Swordtails are not only colorful and lively fish, but they can be kept in the exact tank conditions as angelfish.
Although swordfish have a very peaceful temperament, they won’t allow themselves to be bullied by aggressive species, making them the ideal tankmate for angelfish. Swordfish are easy to care for, hardy, and grow up until roughly four inches.
Conclusion
Angelfish make great fish in a community tank, and as long as they are placed in ideal tank conditions regarding size and water parameters, they will thrive. Additionally, if angelfish are kept with compatible tank mates, they will rarely cause havoc in your aquarium.