Tankmate compatibility

What fish are compatible with Freshwater Angelfish?

Freshwater Angelfish compatibility guide. 6 compatible tankmates + 5 species to avoid + temperament + size + water-chemistry guidance.

Compatible tankmates (6)

Corydoras catfish

Bottom dweller, peaceful, occupies different tank zone.

Cardinal tetras (8+)

Large enough not to be eaten by adult angels. School of 8+.

Bristlenose pleco

Algae eater, stays under 5", peaceful.

Discus

Compatible water + temperament. Both need warm soft water.

Rummy nose tetras

Schools beautifully, large enough for adult angels to ignore.

Otocinclus

Tiny algae eater, fast enough to avoid angels.

Avoid these tankmates (5)

Neon tetras

Adult angels eat neons. Cardinal tetras (slightly larger) are safer.

Tiger barbs

Fin-nippers will shred angel fins.

Guppies

Adult angels eat guppy fry + sometimes adults.

Smaller tetras

Anything under 1.5" gets eaten by adult angels.

Other angels (in small numbers)

Pairs form aggressively + kill non-paired angels. Either keep 1 angel OR a bonded pair OR 6+ juveniles to grow out together.

Plan your stocking

Use the stocking calculator to verify your specific plan. Browse stocking ideas by tank size for proven setups, or read the Freshwater Angelfish care guide for full husbandry details.

More compatibility guides

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