Table of Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Species Overview
- Classification
- Brief Introduction
- Origin and Habitat
- Appearance
- Food and Diet
- Temperament and Behavior
- Best Tank Mates
- Complete Care Guide
- Tank Maintenance
- Breeding
- Fish Diseases
- Conclusion
Freshwater angelfish are one of the most popular cichlids in the hobby and one of the most misunderstood. They are not community fish in the way most people think. They eat small tetras, bully slow swimmers, and become territorial nightmares when they pair off. I have kept angelfish for over 25 years and the most common mistake I see is stocking them with fish they will eventually eat. It happens every single time. The community fish that stops being a community fish the moment it is big enough to eat its neighbors.
The community fish that eats the community.
What Most Care Guides Get Wrong About Freshwater Angelfish
The most persistent myth about angelfish is that they’re peaceful community fish. They’re cichlids. They eat small fish. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from keepers who watched their angelfish eat their neon tetras overnight. If it fits in an angelfish’s mouth, it’s food. And adult angelfish have surprisingly large mouths. The other major misconception is tank size. Yes, a single angelfish can technically survive in a 20-gallon tall tank, but a pair or small group needs 55 gallons minimum. Their tall body shape means they need vertical space too, not just footprint.
Freshwater angelfish are one of the most recognizable fish in the hobby. And one of the most misunderstood. People buy them as juveniles thinking they’re peaceful community fish, then are surprised when a 6-inch adult starts eating neon tetras and bullying everything in the tank. I’ve kept angelfish for years and they’re genuinely wonderful fish, but they need the right setup and the right tank mates. This care guide covers what actually matters from my experience, not just the textbook requirements.
What It Is Actually Like Living With Freshwater Angelfish
This is the part no other care guide gives you. Forget water parameters for a minute. Here is what it is actually like to share your tank with this species.
They are graceful and slow. Watching angelfish drift through a planted tank is hypnotic. Their slow, deliberate movements and tall, flowing fins make them one of the most elegant freshwater fish.
They pair off and breed readily. If you have a group of 6, at least one pair will form and start laying eggs. The breeding behavior is fascinating to watch, but be prepared for increased aggression.
They recognize feeding time. Angelfish learn your routine quickly. They congregate at the feeding spot before you even open the food container. Some will eat from your fingers.
Fin nipping is a constant risk. Tiger barbs, serpae tetras, and other nippy species will shred angelfish fins. Those long, flowing fins are irresistible targets. Choose tank mates carefully.
How the Freshwater Angelfish Compares to Similar Species
The altum angelfish is the wild cousin that every angelfish enthusiast eventually considers. Altums are taller, more dramatic, and have a presence that domestic angelfish can’t match. But they’re also significantly more demanding. They need soft, acidic water, warmer temperatures (82-86°F), and are much more sensitive to water quality. Domestic freshwater angelfish are reliable, good-looking, and easy to live with. Altums are breathtaking but high-maintenance. Unless you’re experienced with demanding species, start with domestics.
The discus is the other tall, round South American cichlid that gets compared to angelfish. Discus are more colorful and arguably more beautiful, but they’re in a different league of difficulty. They need warmer water (82-86°F), are extremely sensitive to water quality, and cost significantly more. Angelfish give you about 60% of the discus experience at about 10% of the difficulty and cost. For most keepers, that’s a great trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do freshwater angelfish get?
Freshwater angelfish can grow up to 6 inches long and 8 inches tall, including their elongated dorsal and anal fins. In a well-maintained aquarium with proper nutrition, most reach their full size within 12 to 18 months.
Can angelfish live alone?
A single angelfish can do fine on its own in a community tank, but they are more confident and display better coloring when kept with a companion or small group. If you go with a pair, watch for territorial behavior during breeding.
Are angelfish aggressive?
Angelfish are semi-aggressive, especially during breeding. They establish a pecking order in groups and can bully smaller or slower-moving fish. Providing plenty of vertical space and line-of-sight breaks with tall plants helps reduce aggression.
What is the ideal tank size for angelfish?
A 30-gallon tall tank is the minimum for a pair of angelfish. For a small group of four to six, aim for a 55-gallon or larger. The vertical height of the tank matters more than footprint because of their tall body shape.
How long do freshwater angelfish live?
With proper care, freshwater angelfish live 8 to 10 years in captivity. Some well-kept specimens have been reported to live even longer. Stable water parameters, a varied diet, and low stress are the biggest factors in longevity.
Do angelfish eat smaller fish?
Yes, angelfish are opportunistic feeders and will eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths. Neon tetras and small rasboras are common victims. Choose tank mates that are too large to be eaten, such as larger tetras, corydoras, or peaceful medium-sized species.
The Reality of Keeping Freshwater Angelfish
Angelfish are beautiful and widely available. But the pet store version of what they need and the reality are two different things.
They eat small fish. Any fish that fits in an angelfish’s mouth is food. Neon tetras, guppies, small rasboras. All fair game once the angelfish reaches adult size. Choose tank mates that are too large to be eaten.
They need tall tanks. Angelfish grow tall, not just long. Their fins can span 8 to 10 inches vertically. A standard 20 gallon long does not have the height they need. A 55 gallon or taller tank is the minimum for a small group.
They fight for dominance. In a group of angelfish, a hierarchy forms. The dominant pair claims the best territory and pushes everyone else around. In a tank that is too small, subordinate angels get beaten up constantly.
Breeding pairs become aggressive. A mated pair of angelfish guarding eggs will attack anything that comes near. This includes tank mates that have lived peacefully with them for years. Be prepared for this shift in behavior.
Biggest Mistake New Freshwater Angelfish Owners Make
Keeping them in a tank that is too short. Angelfish need vertical space. A 20 gallon long is a terrible home for angelfish even though it has enough gallons. Get a tank that is at least 18 inches tall, preferably 24.
Expert Take
Keep angelfish in a 55 gallon or larger tank that is at least 18 inches tall. Choose tank mates that are too big to eat and too calm to nip fins. Rummy nose tetras, corydoras, and bristlenose plecos are the classic companions for a reason. They work.
Key Takeaways
- Freshwater angelfish are peaceful fish that can be kept in a community planted tank.
- It can be slightly challenging to find appropriate tank mates for angels due to their potential aggression, but they do well with larger tetras and their own species.
- Angelfish have undergone selective breeding to express the best colors and patterns possible.
- Breeding angelfish is straightforward and happens on its own in the right settings. This has eliminated the need to collect wild angelfish.
Species Overview
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare |
| Common Names | Angelfish, Freshwater angelfish |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Amazon River system |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Activity | Low |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful (Semi-aggressive when breeding) |
| Tank Level | All |
| Minimum Tank Size | 40 gallons |
| Temperature Range | 75. 82°F |
| Water Hardness | 1-5 KH |
| pH Range | 6.0 to 7.0 |
| Filtration/Water Flow | Moderate to high |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Breeding | Egg Layer |
| Difficulty to Breed | Easy |
| Compatibility | Certain community species |
| OK, for Planted Tanks? | Yes |
Classification
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily | Cichlinae |
| Genus | Pterophyllum |
| Species | P. Scalare (Schultze, 1823) |
Brief Introduction
Freshwater angelfish remain one of the most popular fish available in the aquarium hobby. These fish have been around for decades and still hold the hearts of hobbyists everywhere. Check our our video from our YouTube Channel. We have more details in our blog post so you can follow along to both!
Now more than ever, dozens of angelfish varieties featuring every color and pattern are readily available. Their easy care requirements on top of their simple breeding, make angelfish one of the best feature fish you can have in your freshwater tank.
There are a few considerations that come along with owning angelfish, though. These fish, scientifically known as Pterophyllum scalare, actually belong to the cichlid family. If you know anything about freshwater fish, then some red flags is going off in your head. Cichlids are aggressive, right?
Yes, freshwater cichlids are known for being aggressive. However, angelfish are one of the most peaceful cichlid species for the home aquarium. They are often kept with community tank species but can also be kept with other semi-aggressive cichlids. This leaves a lot of possibilities for tank mates and tank setups!
It should be noted that two other species of angelfish are sometimes seen in the aquarium hobby: P altum (Known as Altum Angelfish) and P leopoldi. For this article, we will only focus on P scalare.
Do Angelfish Live in Freshwater?
Yes! Angelfish live in freshwater. But angelfish also live in saltwater. This is a case of stolen identity. Freshwater angelfish are not related to saltwater angelfish. Freshwater angels belong to the Cichlidae family while saltwater angels belong to the Pomacanthidae family. Even as you go further up their scientific taxonomy, there is no connection between these two fish.
Most likely, they are both regarded as angelfish due to their intricate trailing fins and rounded appearance.
Origin and Habitat
Angelfish originate from the Amazon River basin throughout the northern regions of tropical South America. More specifically, they is found in Colombia, French Guiana, Peru, Brazil, and Guyana.
These fish are found in slow-moving waters filled with vegetation. Water is soft and stained from tannins due to organic matter that falls from the jungle canopy above.
Today, most aquarium angelfish are bred in captivity. As we’ll see, they are easy to breed and acclimate well to aquarium conditions. This makes transporting them to your own aquarium much easier, with less risk of introducing disease and parasites from wild-caught individuals.
Appearance
What’s angelic about a fish? We’ll tell you.
Angelfish are unlike any other fish available. They have compact yet tall bodies with trailing fins. These long pelvic fins are sometimes known as feelers as they is seen extended forwards and sideways to interpret their surroundings better. With their fins and slow, graceful movements, they effortlessly float from one side of the tank to the other. Some species naturally have red eyes and they make excellent centerpiece fish.
On top of their ornate appearance, angelfish also come in many different colors and patterns. Here are some of the most common color variation options:
- Koi angelfish. Named after their resemblance to the coldwater species, koi angelfish feature mottled variations of white, yellow/orange, and black.
- Marble angelfish. There are a few variations of angelfish within the marble category, including veil tail varieties. These fish often feature black and silver marbling with long, uneven streaks of color. The black marbling varies from fish to fish.
- Zebra angelfish. Zebra angelfish are similar to their wild-type variations but have much broader and more even alternating silver and black stripes.
- Silver angelfish. These angels are thought to be the most natural variety, with a silver body and random, thin vertical black stripes.
- Black lace angelfish – pictured above. This fish offers a silver body with black strips and the trademark red eye
- Gold angelfish – A light sliver and orange to gold color near the face. You will also see gold marble varieties that will offer black marks across the body and fins
- Veil angelfish – These fish have long upper and lower fins that make them appear taller in the aquarium. They do best in tall planted tanks.
How Big Do Freshwater Angelfish Get?
Don’t be fooled by the small angelfish for sale at your local fish stores. These fish are sold as juveniles but can grow to get quite big over time. Freshwater angelfish can grow to be 6 inches in length and 8 inches tall. It isn’t unheard of for them to reach up to 12 inches in height at mature size.
Lifespan
On top of their size, angelfish can live for considerably longer times. Freshwater angelfish can live to be over a decade old, sometimes surpassing 12 years of age!
This long lifespan is important to keep in mind as they are a long-term commitment. On top of their large size and volatile temperament, angelfish should never be an impulse buy.
Food and Diet
To get the best fins and colors out of your angelfish, you want to provide the best food and diet possible. These are large centerpiece fish, but they have small mouths and aren’t overly ambitious when it comes to feeding times. This means that feeding angelfish requires some special attention.
Angelfish eat at the surface of the water. They may chase after some sinking food, but they prefer a high-quality pellet or flake food that can easily fit in their mouth. It should also be noted that they’re not overly ambitious eaters, and prefer to eat at a relaxed pace. If the other tank mates in the aquarium are overly active, then it is necessary to offer both floating and sinking foods for better distribution.
Best Tropical Fish Flake Food
Cobalt offers a premium level flake food with probiotics. A color enhancing formula that works great for all tropical fish
Otherwise, freshwater angelfish will appreciate a variety of live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods, like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and mosquito larvae. As omnivores, they is offered a variety of blanched vegetables as well, including cucumber and lettuce. These vegetables is clipped to the side of the aquarium to prevent your angel from dragging its fins across the bottom of the tank.
How Often Do You Feed Angelfish and How Much?
In general, aquarium fish should be fed at least once a day. The portion should be able to be eaten within 5 minutes, with the excess being immediately removed from the tank. Many hobbyists prefer to feed their fish in more frequent, smaller portions. An example of this feeding schedule would be a pinch of food in the morning, afternoon, and night.
Temperament and Behavior
Angelfish are largely peaceful fish. Many hobbyists keep them without ever having a problem with other fish. Now and again, a hobbyist will experience an overly aggressive angelfish, which taints the name of the species altogether.
It is true that angelfish is semi-aggressive. Caution should be taken when keeping angels, especially larger individuals, with slow or small fish. When buying angelfish, try to go for juveniles. Sadly, there is probably a reason why a large angelfish has been returned to the store, often caused by over-aggression.
Otherwise, angelfish are very docile. They is seen floating at the top and in the middle of the water column without hardly moving their fins. They may swim at all levels of the aquarium, but they especially like hanging out by the surface, waiting for food.
Best Tank Mates
While often sold as a community fish, angels need some careful tank mate planning. In general, angelfish is kept with most community tank species as long as they aren’t fin nippers or overly active.
It is important to a juvenile angelfish will grow. Just because they is safely kept with certain species while small does not mean that those same tank mates will be compatible in the future. Because of this, it’s best to plan your community aquarium for long-term success.
Here are some of the best community angelfish tank mates:
- Corydoras
- Plecos
- Dwarf gourami
- Boesemani rainbowfish
- Livebearers
- Certain tetras (Cardinal tetras, Rummynose tetras)
- African Butterfly Fish
As a cichlid, angelfish can also be kept in freshwater aquariums that feature peaceful cichlids. Here are some of the recommended species:
How Many Should Be Kept Together?
Adult angelfish have been known to be aggressive towards one another. But there’s no denying how incredible these fish look together in planted community tanks!
These fish are best kept in pairs as male and female in the long term. In larger tanks, small groups of 5 or more may be kept as long as fish are added together at the same time while still juveniles. It’s also strongly recommended to only keep female angelfish together to prevent harassment, though this is difficult as there are minuscule differences between males and females.
To prevent aggression altogether, only keep a single angelfish in any given tank.
What Size Tank Do You Need For 2 Angelfish?
Many hobbyists like keeping freshwater angelfish in pairs. This increases the chances of breeding and also lessens the possibility of aggression arising.
In general, the bare minimum tank size for any angelfish is 40 gallons. However, if keeping only a single pair of angelfish in an aquarium by themselves, then it’s possible to keep them in a 20 gallon tall aquarium; this is one of the only fish in the aquarium trade that does better in a taller aquarium rather than a long one.
Do Angelfish Eat Other Angelfish?
A large, adult angelfish may eat a smaller angelfish. Though these fish have tiny mouths, they’re very capable of bullying other fish until they die. At that point, they may begin to eat the fish. This is especially known to be true for smaller species, like neon tetras.
Whenever adding angelfish to an aquarium, make sure that they are all relatively the same size and preferably from the same tank.
Tank Mates to Avoid
Angelfish tank mates to avoid are smaller, slower fish. Because of this, most species of tetra are incompatible with angels; at the same time, fin-nipping tetra species must also be avoided. Overly aggressive species, like African cichlids, can’t be kept with angelfish as they may injure or stress them out. Lastly, tank mates can’t be overly active as this could also cause damage to your fish or cause unnecessary competition during feeding periods.
Complete Care Guide
Once you get the tank mate situation sorted out, angelfish care is easy. These are relatively hardy fish that have been captive bred in the aquarium trade for decades. This has made them very resistant to common aquarium illnesses and forgiving of incorrect water conditions.
Here are some ways you can give your angelfish the best life possible!
Aquarium Setup
The best angelfish aquarium setup will resemble their natural habitat with slow-moving water and dense vegetation. In fact, the angelfish body shape is perfectly designed to flow in and out of live plants. Not only do plants make your fish feel at home, but they also help maintain water quality and lessen the need for tank maintenance.
On top of live plants, hard structures, like driftwood and smooth rocks, is used to make your fish feel more comfortable.
Tank Size
Angelfish can get to be pretty decent sizes, but their relaxed demeanor and ease of care don’t make a large tank necessary.
What size tank do angelfish need? A single pair of angelfish without any other fish need a 20 gallon tall tank. A pair of angelfish with other community fish need at least a 40 gallon aquarium. A small group of angels should be kept in freshwater aquariums over 100 gallons.
The 55-gallon aquarium is a great budget-friendly larger tank. It often goes on sale at chain pet stores.
As mentioned before, a tall tank is better than a long tank when keeping angelfish due to their long, pointed fins.
Tank Decorations
Angels are best kept in aquariums that match the conditions of the freshwater rivers and streams that they’re found in, but they have adapted to the more traditional appearance of hobbyist tanks. This means they is kept in a planted aquarium with natural driftwood and rock or colorful decor and pirate ships.
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Just as long as these decorations are aquarium-safe and won’t tug at your fish’s delicate fins, they is used for an angel tank.
Substrate
Similarly, angelfish is kept on an assortment of substrates, like sand, gravel, or even a bare bottom. Sand is beneficial for hobbyists looking to achieve a natural appearance that facilities plant root growth. Gravel is a popular choice for beginner hobbyists that aren’t interested in keeping plants. A bare bottom is great for angel keepers looking to minimize their workload.
Is the Freshwater Angelfish Right for You?
Before you commit to this species, here’s an honest assessment of whether it fits your setup and experience level.
- A true classic for good reason. Angelfish have been popular since the 1930s because they’re beautiful, engaging, and readily available in dozens of varieties.
- Choose tank mates carefully. No fish small enough to eat (goodbye, neon tetras) and nothing nippy enough to damage their fins (no tiger barbs).
- Need vertical space. Their tall body shape means tank height matters as much as length. At least 18 inches tall, ideally 24.
- Can become territorial during breeding. A pair guarding eggs will dominate a significant portion of the tank, pushing other fish out of their territory.
- Excellent for planted tanks. They look stunning among tall plants like Amazon swords and vallisneria, which also mimic their natural habitat.
- Plan for a group of 5-6 if you want to see natural pairing behavior. Buying a single angelfish works, but watching a pair form naturally from a group is a special experience.
Lighting
Angels aren’t shy fish. In fact, shyness is a sign that something is wrong. For the most part, angelfish are likely to be found in the front of the tank. If they’re hiding in the back, then they is facing bullying from other fish, improper water parameters, or overly intense lighting.
If you find that your fish is staying in the shadows of your tank, observe for bullying, test water conditions, and try lowering the lighting intensity. Adding floating plants and creating more areas of shade can help your fish feel more comfortable.
Live Plants
Live plants are the best tank mates for angelfish! These fish is kept with all species of plant in a high or low tech setting. They especially enjoy floating plant species that provide food and coverage at the top of the tank.
Tank Maintenance
If keeping angels in a planted aquarium, then not a lot of tank maintenance is required as the plants will naturally recycle excess nutrients. Here’s how to make sure your angel tank stays running smoothly!
Filtration and Aeration
Angelfish do best in an aquarium with little to no water current. However, adequate water flow is necessary for the circulation of gases and nutrients throughout the aquarium.
For the most part, the current from an appropriately sized hang on the back filter or canister filter will be gentle enough for angels. If you find that your fish is struggling to swim in your aquarium, then it is necessary to baffle the return flow.
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Angelfish grow to large sizes, which means more waste. Gauge how many fish you have and their size when picking out your aquarium filter. Otherwise, additional aeration is not necessary, though a carbon dioxide diffuser is necessary for heavily planted setups.
Water Parameters
Angels are hardy fish, but cannot tolerate traces of ammonia or nitrite. Planted aquariums require nitrate to run, though levels should always remain under 30 ppm. It may be necessary to dose nutrients for healthy plant growth.
While wild angelfish originate from acidic water conditions, most individuals have been captive bred. This means that they have adapted to average aquarium conditions with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and a water temperature between 75 and 82°F.
Tank Maintenance
For most aquariums, a 10-25% weekly or biweekly cleaning schedule maintains water parameters. This percentage and frequency may change depending on the number of plants and current bioload in the aquarium. It’s strongly recommended to use an aquarium vacuum while performing a water change to remove any debris or waste that gets stuck in the substrate or between plant stems.
Another part of maintenance is trimming plants. Though this isn’t required, some plants can grow unruly, which can start to become overwhelming. Not to mention that you will need to keep up with feeding your plants as well.
Breeding
Breeding angelfish is easy, fun, and rewarding. These fish are easy to breed as long as you’re able to establish a male and female pairing. Breeding should take place in a separate tank if there are other fish present in the aquarium. A video below by Patrick Neary goes into more detail.
There are a few differences between male and female angels, but they is hard to see. One of the only, though not always guaranteed, ways to tell these fish apart is by examining their behavior. Male angelfish will show much more territorial behavior than females, though some females is just as aggressive.
In general, it’s best to shop from pet stores that already have an established breeding pair. Otherwise, a small group of juvenile angelfish is purchased and maintained until a breeding pair has formed.
Once a pair has formed, they angelfish mate on their own. The water temperature may be slightly elevated, and the quality of food increased to encourage spawning. When ready, the female will release eggs that the male will fertilize. Angelfish parents are very protective of their eggs and should be kept together during this time.
Within a few days, the eggs will hatch the fry will become free-swimming. Baby brine shrimp are great to feed these newborn fish as the yolk sacs of newly hatched brine shrimp offer a lot of nutritional value to them. The parents will continue offering protection during this time but have been known to eat their fry if not supplied with enough food!
Fry may be fed tiny foods, like brine shrimp nauplii, until ready to accept bigger portions.
Fish Diseases
Though angels are hardy fish, they’re susceptible to a few unique diseases and illnesses. Like other fish, they can contract ich, velvet, and fin rot, especially if their long fins are allowed to scrape across objects in the aquarium. Here are a few less common problems you will experience with your angelfish:
- Cloudy eyes. Cloudy eyes are never a good sign in fish. They’re indicative of a larger bacteria, fungus, or parasitic infection. Cloudy eyes are caused by poor water quality and can be treated with consistent water changes and light medication treatment.
- Gill flukes. These are parasites that take over the fish’s gills and cause inflammation, difficulty breathing, and secondary infections. Gill flukes are a little more difficult to treat than affected fish experiencing cloudy eyes and can require medication, dips, and consistent water changes.
- Hexamita. Another parasitic infection, Hexamita causes hole in the head for angels. This is caused by water quality and can be treated by removing carbon from the aquarium, medications, and water changes.
When picking out your new fish, find angelfish that are bright in color, round in the head, and with clear eyes. If possible, ask the employees at the pet stores to feed the fish in front of you. There should be no hesitation to eat. Once home, quarantine your angels accordingly.
Conclusion
Angelfish are cichlids first and community fish second. Forget that and your neon tetras disappear.
Angels are very popular fish for a good reason! They are easy to care for, beautiful in color, and a statement piece for any freshwater aquarium. It is slightly challenging to find suitable tank mates for angels, but they do well on their own, in pairs, or with large, moderately active species. When kept in pairs, they’re easy and rewarding to breed!
South American Cichlid Species Directory
This article is part of our South American Cichlids: Complete A-Z Species Directory. Visit the hub page to explore care guides for all 32 South American cichlid species we cover.
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