Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size, Water & Tankmates
The freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) is one of the most recognizable fish in the hobby, prized for its tall, graceful fins and elegant, disc-shaped body. Despite their delicate looks, angelfish are members of the cichlid family and bring a little personality and attitude to the tank. At Tropical Treasures, we keep a rotating selection of live freshwater fish including angelfish varieties like the Koi, Platinum, Marble, and Belem Sky Blue. This guide covers what you need to keep angelfish healthy and showing their best color.
Meet the Angelfish
Angelfish are native to the slow-moving rivers and flooded forests of the Amazon basin. Their tall body shape evolved to slip between submerged roots and plant stems, which is why they appreciate height and vertical structure in the aquarium. A healthy angelfish can reach about 6 inches long and up to 8 inches tall including the fins, and they can live 10 years or more with good care. They are cichlids at heart, so expect a bit of bold, curious behavior.
Tank Size and Setup
Because of their height and adult size, angelfish need a tall tank of at least 29 gallons for a pair, and 55 gallons or more for a small group. Tall tanks suit them far better than long, shallow ones. Provide gentle filtration, since angelfish dislike strong currents, and add tall live plants, driftwood, or vertical decor to mimic their natural habitat and give them a sense of security.
Water Parameters and Heating
Angelfish thrive in warm, soft, slightly acidic water. Aim for temperatures of 78–84°F, a pH of 6.5–7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. A dependable aquarium heater is essential to hold that warmth steadily. Always treat tap water with a quality water conditioner before water changes, and keep up with regular maintenance to keep nitrates low and fins healthy.
Feeding Your Angelfish
Angelfish are omnivores that do well on a varied diet. A quality flake or pellet fish food makes a solid staple, supplemented with frozen or live treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to bring out their best color and condition. Feed once or twice a day in small amounts they can finish in a couple of minutes.
Tankmates and Temperament
Angelfish can live in a peaceful community tank, but choose tankmates thoughtfully. They may eat very small fish like neon tetras or shrimp, and they can be nipped by fin-nippers like tiger barbs. Good companions include larger tetras, corydoras, rasboras, peaceful gouramis, and calmer cichlids such as the keyhole cichlid or festivum. Angelfish can also become territorial with each other when pairing up.
Breeding Angelfish
Angelfish are egg-layers and surprisingly attentive parents. A bonded pair will clean a flat surface like a broad leaf or piece of slate and lay rows of eggs, then both parents guard and fan them. The tricky part is getting a true pair, since sexing angelfish by appearance is difficult; many hobbyists simply raise a group of six or more and let pairs form naturally. In a community tank, eggs are often eaten, so a dedicated breeding tank gives fry the best chance.
Is the Angelfish Right for You?
Angelfish are a stunning centerpiece for a tall, well-planted aquarium, and they reward patient keepers with personality and long lifespans. Just plan for their adult size and mind their cichlid temperament when picking tankmates. New to the hobby and not sure where to start? Our guide on buying fish in store vs online explains why healthy, locally acclimated fish make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many angelfish should I keep together? Either keep a single angelfish, a bonded pair, or a group of five or more. Pairs in a group spread out aggression; keeping just two or three can lead to one fish bullying the others.
Do angelfish need a heater? Yes. Angelfish are tropical fish from the warm Amazon and need a stable heater holding the tank in the high 70s to low 80s°F.
Are angelfish aggressive? They are generally peaceful but are cichlids, so they can be territorial, especially when breeding. They may also eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths, so choose tankmates accordingly.