Do you have an Angelfish tank? Are you looking for tank mates for your Angelfish? Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is perhaps one of the most popular freshwater fish. Many fishkeepers are drawn to the graceful demeanor and striking long fins of Angelfish. You need to do some research though when selecting tank mates for your Angelfish because not all fish are compatible with Angelfish. Below are 10 Fish that will do well as Tank Mates with your Angelfish.
3 Factors to Consider When Selecting Angelfish Tank Mates
Angelfish are generally peaceful fish that makes a great centerpiece fish in community tanks. However, there are 3 factors to consider when selecting tank mates for your Angelfish.
- Angelfish are not compatible with fin nippers.
Never mix Angelfish with aggressive fin nippers. Their long fins will be a target for fin nippers like Tiger Barbs.
2. Angelfish will eat small fish
Angelfish will eat fish that fits in their mouth. Definitely avoid small fish especially neon tetras since neons are their natural prey in the wild. If you have juvenile Angelfish, you can get away with keeping your juveniles with small tetras but remember once they grow the small fish will become snack!
3. Angelfish are not 100% Peaceful Fish
Angelfish is a cichlid and they have natural aggressive tendencies. Like all cichlids, Angelfish are territorial and aggressive when breeding. If you plan to breed Angelfish, its best to keep your Angelfish tank species only. Some Angelfish even if they are not breeding are aggressive, you need to observe your Angelfish to see if tank mates are suitable for your Angelfish. Don’t keep fish with long fins since Angelfish can be fin nippers!
10 Best Angefish Tank Mates
1. Boeseman’s Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani)
Characteristics
| Name | Boeseman’s Rainbowfish |
| Scientific Name | Melanotaenia boesemani |
| Origin | New Guinea |
| Size | 4.75 inches (12 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | Neutral to hard, pH 7-8 |
| Water Temperature | 75-82F (24-28C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Boeseman’s Rainbowfish are beautiful, active schooling fish. They are peaceful and will get along with your Angelfish. In addition to their peaceful demeanor, Boeseman’s Rainbowfish are a good size. They are not too small that they will become a snack for your Angelfish.
Keep 4-6 in a tank and you will have a thriving community of Boeseman’s Rainbowfish with your Angelfish. The yellow/orange and blue coloring of Boeseman’s Rainbowfish will look beautiful in your Angelfish tank. They are also more active than Angelfish so if you are looking to add more activity in your tank Boeseman’s Rainbowfish is a good choice for you.
Similar to Angelfish, Boeseman’s Rainbowfish will thrive in a heavily planted aquarium with a spacious open swim area. And like Angelfish, they need a well-filtered tank that does not have a strong currents.
2. Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus)
Characteristics
| Name | Bronze Corydoras |
| Scientific Name | Corydoras aenues |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 2.75 inches (7 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | Soft, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 68-79F (20-26C). |
| Water Column | Bottom Dweller Fish |
Bronze Corydoras are bottom dwelling fish that will make good tank mates with Angelfish. They are peaceful and social fish. They will not get in the way of Angelfish since they are bottom dwelling and will stay on the substrate.
Bronze Corydoras or Albino Corydoras are good Angelfish tank mates since they are bigger in size. Avoid the small Corydoras such as the Pygmy Corydoras since they are small enough to be eaten by your Angelfish. Get a group of at least 5 Corydoras and you will have a nice group of Corydoras at the bottom of the tank.
Bronze Corydoras are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters making them compatible with your Angelfish. They are community fish for beginners.
If you plan to breed Angelfish, its probably best not to have any Corydoras in the tank since they may eat the Angelfish eggs.
3. German Blue Ram (Microgeophagus ramirezi)
Characteristics
| Name | German Blue Ram |
| Scientific Name | Microgeophagus ramirezi |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 2.57 inches (7 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful. Territorial when Breeding |
| Ease of Care | Difficult |
| Water Parameters | Soft to Acidic, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 75-82F (24-28C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Blue Rams or German Blue Rams (Microgeophagus ramirezi) are good Angelfish tank mates. Like Angelfish, Rams are also cichlids from South America and share similar water parameters. Rams are generally peaceful and will get along well with your Angelfish. Like most Cichlids, Rams will only become territorial when they are breeding.
Get at least a pair of German Blue Rams. Similar to Angelfish, Rams like a well-planted tank (Rams will not dig up the plants!) An aquarium with soft sandy substrate with driftwoods and rounded rocks is ideals so there are plenty of crevices and hiding places for your Rams.
Rams are not easy fish to care for and are not ideal for beginners. They are very sensitive to poor water conditions, partial water changes is a must in order to maintain good water quality.
4. Bolivian Ram (Microgeophagus altispinosus)
Characteristics
| Name | Bolivian Ram |
| Scientific Name | Microgeophagus altispinosus |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 3 inches (8 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful. Territorial when Breeding |
| Ease of Care | Difficult |
| Water Parameters | Soft to Acidic, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 72-77F (22-25C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Bolivian Rams (Microgeophagus altispinosus) will also make a good Angelfish tank mates. Bolivian Rams are slightly larger than its relative, the Ram (Microgeophagus ramirezi). They are generally peaceful (except when breeding) and will be good Angelfish companions.
Bolivian Rams are beautiful cichlids with striking dorsal fins when fully extended. Pair them with Angelfish and you will have a very attractive aquarium.
Bolivian Rams have similar tank requirements as Angelfish. They also like a well-planted tank. Keep your Bolivian Ram in a tank with soft sandy substrate with flat or rounded rocks. There should be plenty of crevices for shelter.
Keep at least a pair of Bolivian Rams with your Angelfish. Bolivian Rams are not easy fish to care for and are not ideal for beginners.
5. Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Characteristics
| Name | Kribensis |
| Scientific Name | Pelvicachromis pulcher |
| Origin | Nigeria |
| Size | 4 inches (10 cm) |
| Temperament | Well Behaved |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | Soft to Neutral, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 75-79F (24-26C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Kribensis are compatible with Angelfish and will make good tank mates. They are well behaved and can be kept with your Angelfish (except when they are breeding, then they get territorial). Kribensis tend to stay in the lower part of the aquarium so they won’t get in the way of Angelfish.
Kribensis are cichlids but from Africa. Nevertheless they are compatible with their South American cichlid cousin Angelfish. Like Angelfish, Kribensis thrives in a tank that is well planted with an open swim area. Do provide caves for hiding.
Kribensis are sensitive to water quality so it’s important to keep up with water changes. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water.
6. Otocinclus (Otocinclus affinis)
Characteristics
| Name | Otocinclus |
| Scientific Name | Otocinclus affinis |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 1.5 inches (4 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | |
| Water Temperature | 72-77F (22-25C) |
| Water Column | Bottom Dweller |
Otocinclus are peaceful fish that will not bother your Angelfish. They are algae eaters and will stay out of the way of your Angelfish. Get a group of Otos so they have company.
Otocinclus are sensitive to nitrate levels so it’s important to keep water quality in good condition with water changes.
7. Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Characteristics
| Name | Platy |
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus maculatus |
| Origin | Central America Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras |
| Size | 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Water Parameters | Medium Hard to Hard, pH 7.5-8.2 |
| Water Temperature | 64-77F (18-25C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Platies are popular community tank fish. They are peaceful and will be compatible with your Angelfish. Platies are also hardy so they are great for beginners.
One thing to keep in mind is that Platies are livebearers. They breed easily but unless you separate the fry from the Angelfish tank, don’t expect high survival rates since both adult Platies and Angelfish will eat the fry.
8. Common Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla)
Characteristics
| Name | Common Hatchetfish |
| Scientific Name | Gasteropelecus sternicla |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful and social with tendency to be nervous |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | Soft to slightly acidic, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 75-82F (24-28C) |
| Water Column | Surface Dwellers |
Common Hatchetfish will make good tank mates with your Angelfish. They are surface dwellers and will keep to the top of the aquarium. They are peaceful fish but have a tendency to be nervous. Make sure you have a tight lid on your aquarium because they have a tendency to jump.
9. Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii)
Characteristics
| Name | Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlid |
| Scientific Name | Apistogramma agassizii |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 4 inches (10 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful. Males are aggressive. Can be aggressive towards each other. |
| Ease of Care | Difficult |
| Water Parameters | Soft to Acidic, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 72-77F (22-25C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Agassiz’s Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma agassizii) can be placed in the same tank as Angelfish. They share similar water parameters and both like a well-planted tank. They are both South American cichlids so they do have natural aggressive tendencies.
From personal experience, I find that the Angelfish will mostly occupy the mid level while the Apisto will mostly stay close to the substrate so they will not bother each other. You do have to observe them first to make sure they can live peacefully. If you find the Apisto is getting aggressive towards your Angelfish, sometimes adding an extra 1-2 Angelfish in the tank will decrease aggression.
Apistogrammas are sensitive to water quality so weekly partial water changes is important to keep nitrate levels low. Keep your Apistos in a well-planted tank with fine sandy substrate. Have plenty of caves for shelter.
10. Zebra Loach (Botia striata)
Characteristics
| Name | Zebra Loach |
| Scientific Name | Botia striata |
| Origin | Asia |
| Size | 4 inches (10 cm) |
| Temperament | Not aggressive |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | Acidic, pH 6-6.5 |
| Water Temperature | 75-86F (24-30C) |
| Water Column | Bottom Dweller |
Zebra Loaches are good tank mates for Angelfish. They are active and not aggressive. They are bottom dwellers so they will not get in the way of your Angelfish. Zebra Loaches will forage, helping to keep your tank clean. They will even take care of snails if you have lots of unwanted snails in your tank!
Zebra Loaches should be kept in groups. Keep them in a tank with fine substrate like sand so they can burrow. Provide plenty of hiding spots such as tubes and crevices.
The good thing about Zebra Loaches is they stay relatively small and will not outgrow your community tank. They don’t grow as large as the Clown Loach which can grow to 12 inches!
Other Possible Angelfish Tank Mates
Can Angelfish Be Kept with Cherry Barbs?
Cherry Barbs can be compatible with Angelfish and may be kept in the same tank as Angelfish under the right conditions. Make sure you have a big group of Cherry Barbs, at least 8 barbs, this will diffuse any aggression towards your Angelfish. Compared to other Barbs, Cherry Barbs are more peaceful and are somewhat shy. They need a tank with plants, rocks and decorations to feel secure. Under the right conditions, Cherry Barbs should be able to live peacefully with Angelfish.
Can Angelfish Be Kept with Danios?
You can keep Danios with Angelfish only if the water temperature is right and if the Danio is not too small. Danios have a preference towards cooler temperature while Angelfish likes it warm. If you keep your tank around 77F then that should work for both Angelfish and Danios.
You do have to be careful when you are selecting the type of Danios for your Angelfish tank. Make sure you pick one of the larger Danios. Zebra Danios will work as tank mates with your Angelfish while Celestial Pearl Danios is too small and will be eaten by your Angelfish.
Can Angelfish Be Kept with Gouramis?
Gouramis should not be kept in the same tank as Angelfish. Both Angelfish and Gouramis will clash and fight with each other. Trust me, I’ve had a bad experience keeping Gouramis and Angelfish in the same tank. Gouramis don’t make good tank mates with Angelfish!
Can Angelfish Be Kept with Bettas?
Bettas should not be kept in the same tank as Angelfish. Both have long fins and they will nip each others fins and the outcome will not be good. Bettas should not be tank mates with Angelfish!
Can Angelfish Be Kept with Tetras?
You can keep Angelfish with tetras in the same tank. However, you need to pick the larger tetras and the tetras without showy fins. Otherwise, if you keep small tetras your Angelfish will eat the tetra. Tetras with showy fins will be nipped by Angelfish.
Which Tetras are Compatible with Angelfish?
Angelfish can be kept in the same tank as the larger tetras like Emperor Tetra, Rummy Nose Tetra and Bleeding Heart Tetra.
Which Tetras are Not Compatible with Angelfish?
Don’t keep your Angelfish with small tetras like Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra and Cardinal Tetra. They will get eaten by Angelfish. Also avoid keeping Angelfish with tetras with long fins like Congo Tetras. Angelfish will harass the long finned tetras.
How to Set-Up a Community Tank for Your Angelfish
Angelfish are big fish. They grow tall so you should keep your Angelfish in tanks that are tall rather than wide. They like a well-planted tank where they can retreat when they get nervous. Aquarium plants like Vallisneria and Amazon Swordplant will do well in your Angelfish tank. They also need a big, spacious open swim area.
Angelfish are sensitive to water quality so you should make sure to maintain water changes and good filtration. They don’t like strong currents though so make sure the filter output is not excessively strong.
Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) Characteristics
| Name | Angelfish |
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful. Territorial when Breeding |
| Ease of Care | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | Soft to Neutral, pH 6-7 |
| Water Temperature | 75-82F (24-28C) |
| Water Column | Midwater Fish |
Trying to figure out how many Angelfish can fit in your tank? Use our Angelfish Tank Calculator