14 Best Tank Mates for Angelfish (With Pictures)

Because of their iconic appearance, Angelfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish. Interestingly, their name is a bit deceiving. Angelfish are not quite the angels you may think. In fact, Angelfish can be aggressive if not paired with the right mates.

So that you can create a beautiful and vibrant tank without putting any fish at risk, we have researched the 14 best tankmates for Angelfish. Any one of these fish would do great with your Angelfish while still making your tank seem much more alive.

The 14 Tank Mates for Angelfish

1. Boesemani Rainbow Fish

Boesemani Rainbow Fish are medium-sized fish that develop a stunning color. When they are young, their color is dull gray with a yellow tail, but their body turns iridescent blue and bright yellow as they age. This is a great fish to pair with an Angelfish because they are peaceful, though they squabble amongst one another. Still, they are beautiful, peaceful, and able to stand up for themselves if need be.

---

2. Dwarf Gourami

The Dwarf Gourami originates far away from the Angelfish, yet their requirements are very similar. Dwarf Gourami are brightly colored and can stand out against really any fish. However, this breed is pretty shy and requires extensive plants for it to hide in.

In terms of personality, these fish get along great with Angelfish because they are very shy. The one exception is that the males will fight each other, meaning you can only have one male per tank, but groups of females will not pose any issue to each other or your Angelfish.

---

3. Corydora Catfish

Corydora Catfish are some of the best fish to pair with an Angelfish. They originate from the same area in the globe, meaning that they have the same care requirements and needs. At the same time, these fish are very peaceful and pretty to look at.

The one downside of the Corydora Catfish is that you need at least five in the aquarium at once. These fish school in the wild and should not be alone as a result. For the best results, have 10 or more in your aquarium.

---

4. Platies

The Platy is one of the best mates for your Angelfish. These fish are colorful and very active. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they will swim about whenever the lights are on. In other words, they keep the aquarium lively.

Because they are over 2 inches and have a peaceful demeanor, they get along great with Angelfish. They don’t stir up trouble, yet they are big enough to stand up to these bullies. One thing to consider is that these fish breed very quickly in captivity, but the Angelfish will eat the babies if they are not separated.

---

5. Zebra Loaches

Zebra Loaches are a type of schooling bottom feeder. Their personalities are spunky, and they are sure to stand up against the Angelfish if need be. At the same time, the Loaches are pretty peaceful and won’t stir up trouble unless they have to.

One benefit of Zebra Loaches is that they do a great job of keeping your tank clean. Just know that you need to have a group of five or more inside your tank for them to feel safe.

---

6. Mollies

Mollies are very hardy and beginner-friendly fish. They are suitable for softer water, and they come in many different morphs. They have peaceful temperaments, making them perfect for Angelfish.

Much like the Platies, Mollies breed very quickly in captivity because they are livebearers. The adult Angelfish will likely eat the babies before they grow full size, though.

---

7. German Blue Ram Cichlids

German Blue Ram Cichlids are becoming more and more popular for their unique appearance. These fish are especially favored in community aquariums because they have unique personalities, a peaceful demeanor, and social nature.

Although they get along great with Angelfish, they require an experienced hand. As long as you know how to keep absolutely perfect water conditions for these fish, they make great companions for your Angelfish.

---

8. Kribensis

Kribensis, sometimes known as Rainbow Kribs, have extremely bright colors and peaceful temperaments. Even though this fish is an African Cichlid, it can handle softer waters compatible with Angelfish tanks.

Kribs need an area to establish as their own territory. Small decor caves are perfect for this breed. Something else to keep in mind is that these fish breed pretty quickly, and they can get aggressive if another fish comes near their fry.

---

9. Bushynose Pleco

If you’re looking for a single fish to put in with your Angelfish, the Bushynose Pleco is a great place to start. These fish are peaceful alone, and they don’t get that big either. Despite their small size, you will definitely notice these fish because they have weird fleshy tentacles that come from their faces.

It’s best to keep one Bushynose Pleco in your tank at once. These creatures are pretty shy and solitary, and their shyness is also what makes them fit along great with Angelfish.

---

10. Ram Cichlids

Much like the other Cichlids on this list, Ram Cichlids get along great with Angelfish. They come from the same waters as Angelfish, yet they are super colorful and fun to watch. Most likely, they won’t even interact with your Angelfish at all, which is why they get along swimmingly!

One downside of Ram Cichlids is that they can be delicate in a tank. They are not ideal for beginners because they require near-pristine water conditions at all times.

---

11. Swordtails

Swordtails are almost always listed as one of the best fish to pair with an Angelfish. They are really colorful and beautiful, but they are peaceful while still being able to hold their own. These fish are one of the best at withstanding small amounts of aggression from other species, including Angelfish.

Swordtails are livebearers, meaning that they reproduce in captivity rather quickly. However, you are unlikely to see the offspring because the parents and other fish will likely eat them first.

---

12. Keyhole Cichlids

Keyhole Cichlids are a favorite among Cichlid fanatics. They are hardy and have interesting personalities. Best of all, they are the most peaceful fish of their kind, which is why they make great tankmates for your Angelfish.

One downside of Keyhole Cichlids is that they can be tougher to find than many of the other fish on this list. Still, it may be worth the effort to try to find one of these fish since they are so peaceful and ideal for community aquariums.

---

13. Kuhli Loaches

Kuhli Loaches are bottom feeders that are most active at night. This is a really unique freshwater fish because it looks more like an eel than a fish. They are great for Angelfish tanks because they are small, peaceful, and work best in a community environment.

It’s important to have multiple Kuhli Loaches in your tank together. They need to school with at least three of their kind. They prefer sand bottoms, but you can put them in with smooth rock substrate as well. Keep in mind you will also need to feed them even though they are bottom feeders.

---

14. Rummy Nose Tetras

If you are looking for a really funky fish to add to your Angelfish tank, the Rummy Nose Tetras are the fish for you. They are small, but they have a unique coloration that makes them stand out in nearly every tank.

You need to be careful when adding Rummy Nose Tetras to your Angelfish tank. Adults are large enough that they will not be eaten by the Angelfish, but the young will be eaten pretty quickly. Add the Tetras to your tank and observe how your Angelfish acts before walking away.

What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Angelfish?

Whenever you are selecting a tank mate for your Angelfish, it’s important to make sure that the fish all prefer the same type of water and parameters. This simply ensures that all the fish can be happy and healthy in the same water.

More so, make sure that the mates are peaceful but still willing to stand up to the bully Angelfish. So that the mates stand a chance, select species that are over 2 inches in size because the Angelfish will eat anything smaller.

Where Do Angelfish Prefer to Live in the Aquarium?

Angelfish like to swim in aquatic vegetation and mosses. For this reason, you need to add different vegetation and items to replicate a swampy environment. Sometimes, Angelfish are known to dig in the substrate.

To keep the Angelfish safe whenever it decides to dig, make sure that the substrate is soft and fine. Fine sand and mud are ideal.

Water Parameters

Angelfish are native to the Amazon River and Amazon River basin. This means that their water parameters are typically slow-moving, acidic, and have temperatures between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Replicate this temperature and flow in the tank.

In terms of pH, Angelfish are suitable for ranges between 6.0 and 7.0. Although you can find Angelfish suitable for hard water, the majority survive best in soft water conditions.

Size

Angelfish are pretty big. They can grow to be about 6 inches long, but their fins can be as tall as 8 inches. The minimum size tank they require is 20 gallons, though bigger is better, especially if you have many tankmates.

Aggressive Behaviors

Angelfish are nowhere near as aggressive as some fish, but they are Cichlids. This means that they can be aggressive toward one another, especially during spawning. The fish will be more aggressive to other fish as well.

If the fish is smaller than them, Angelfish are opportunistic creatures and will likely eat the smaller fish. Even if the fish isn’t that much smaller, they may still bully it a bit.

The 3 Benefits of Having Tank Mates for Angelfish in Your Aquarium

Conclusion

Even though Angelfish are really stunning, you have to be careful about which species you put inside their tank. Although Angelfish certainly are angelic to look at, they can be bullies to other fish. Especially during the spawning season, they can be highly aggressive.

When selecting tankmates for your Angelfish, it’s most important to select fish that are over 2 inches long and have a peaceful demeanor. These two traits mean that the fish will likely get along great with your Angelfish.

Most likely, you won’t have any issues with your Angelfish and tank mates, especially if you take the time to select mates that are historically suited for Angelfish.

• See Also: How Many Angelfish Can You Have in a 65 Gallon Tank? Facts & FAQs

---

Featured Image Credit to: Roberto Dani, Shutterstock