Harlequin rasboras and angelfish are not the best fish tank partners. Although they can share the same home under certain circumstances, we typically would not recommend it. However, your tank size and the initial size of the angelfish are two critical factors to consider before creating this commune.
Most aquarium owners enjoy a variety of fish species in their tanks, creating a diversity of color, size, and activities. However, these combinations of fish need to be carefully selected to maintain harmony and ensure the well-being of all the fish tank inhabitants.
Can Harlequin Rasboras Live With Angelfish?
To understand the full complexity of the question and related answers, we need to look at each fish species individually briefly. After that, you can finally apply your circumstances and requirements to determine if harlequin rasboras can live uniquely with angelfish.
The Harlequin Rasboras Fish Species
Rasboras are the most popular in many aquariums as they are hardy, vibrant, colorful, and energetic fish. They prefer a quiet plant populated environment and would happily share their home with other similar peaceful and happy fish.
Indeed, if you ask them nicely, they will welcome angelfish any day as long as you have a typical large aquarium with a regulated temperature above 82° F. In addition, they will not get into quarrels and would prefer sharing with a similar type of schooling fish like small tetras, croaking, gouramis, or guppies.
Rasboras love large families and are constantly on the move. Their vibrant colors add beauty and life to any fish tank, especially if you have at least a dozen of them moving around non-stop.
The Angelfish Fish Species
The freshwater angelfish of the Cichlidae fish family is another prevalent aquarium fish. They are gorgeous and can grow to a large size.
Angelfish are generally peaceful but carry a semi-aggressive classification, meaning they are mostly benign. However, they are predatory fish and will protect their territory, especially during the breeding season.
So yes, they can and probably will eat smaller fish. The only way to prevent these unwanted dinners is to keep the angelfish well-fed.
Also, because angelfish can grow large, they will eventually need a home to match their size. Typically, they thrive in large aquariums and love to eat regularly. Therefore, small fish tanks are not ideal for them, and angelfish can be choosy when sharing.
When Can Angelfish And Harlequin Rasboras Be Tank Mates?
Many aquarium owners can’t resist the temptation of having two of the most beautiful aquarium fish living together in their fish tank. However, the bubbly and vibrant rasboras can only complement the more significant, visually striking angelfish in a spectacular aquarium.
So, angelfish and rasboras can be homies, provided that you have a massive tank with suitable plants and cover for the rasboras to hide and stay clear of the larger beautiful, but sometimes aggressive angelfish.
Try matching grown or larger harlequin rasboras with smaller juvenile angelfish. However, as one species can grow more prominent, you should adequately monitor and care for both, ensuring long-term happiness.
Introduce the angelfish to your aquarium when they are still young and small. They will get used to the rasboras and hopefully grow to see them as their tank mates, not prey. Also, you can monitor them, ensuring each species has space to be as happy as a happy fish.
It is not difficult to keep the aquarium conditions ideal for both species as they prefer similar water temperatures, habitat, and PH levels. In addition, it helps to contain aggression and high discomfort levels. However, monitor the habitat marriage and intervene with a divorce if necessary.
Lastly, before blindly introducing both species to one tank, research their requirements, temperaments, and preferred habitats.
Then, create the best of both worlds in one aquarium, feed them, and keep an eye on the Angelfish when they grow larger or breed.
Why Can’t Angelfish And Harlequin Rasboras Be Tank Mates?
There is a rule – ensure the aquarium has nothing that can fit in the angelfish’s mouth. Unfortunately, harlequin rasboras can be a tempting appetite for a large, hungry, or territorial aggressive angelfish. So, although it seems possible, there is just too much risk.
Upgrade to a giant aquarium. If you have a relatively small home aquarium, it may not be suitable for both these fish species. You will then have to upgrade in tank size and ensure the habitat gives comfort to both ensuring calm and happy fish.
There is a risk you will lose some of your rasboras and the risk of injury. angelfish may nibble on the fins of their smaller passive inhabitants and cause harm while creating a dreadful master-slave environment.
David and Goliath. The size is not the real problem, but if the more significant partner is also aggressive and hungry, it may have a devastating result. While both species are still similar in size, it may appear to be a workable match, but in the long run, the angelfish will become too big. Rasboras grow to about 2-inches and angelfish up to 8-inches.
Peace in the tank may only be short-term. As the angelfish grow, they need more space and the risk of war increases. So you will have more obligation to ensure the beautiful large predators eat twice a day, and the rasboras still have some space to play hide-and-seek successfully.
Then comes the breeding season. Firstly, the juvenile harlequin rasboras will be at risk. In contrast, the angelfish will become super territorial and defend their territory vigorously and with great success against the smaller happy-go-lucky rasboras.
They have opposite behaviors. They are entirely different types of fish. The angelfish can be more aggressive, while the rasboras are a typical example of peace. It can be like having a bully in your class. Some days will be fine, but some days can be a nightmare.
There are plenty of alternatives. Why pair these two species in one tank when a host of similar beautiful fish would be better tank mates for each? You can remove and replace the risk that this match brings with aquarium fun and carefree beauty.
The Best Tank Mates For The Harlequin Rasbora.
They are shoaling fish and thrive when in schools of ten or more. Therefore, refrain from keeping them with more significant or predatory fish—examples of good tank mates are bettas, tetras, dwarf gouramis, or other rasboras.
The Best Tank Mates For The Angelfish
Remember, angelfish are cichlids and aggressive by nature. Therefore, it would be much better if you had an angelfish tank homie that is a good size and can handle the possible aggressiveness that lurks in the water.
They should not reverse the risk of pushing the angels into the corner—for example, boesemani rainbow fish, corydoras catfish, or ram cichlids.
Conclusion
Angelfish and harlequin rasboras are two different fish species, with the angelfish being the more giant, aggressive predator. Although it is possible to keep them in the same aquarium under specific circumstances, it is generally too risky, and many will not recommend a habitat share for the two contrasting fish.