In this article, we will understand the relationship between Angelfish and Cherry Barbs. We will also learn more about their requirements and explain if they can be set up together in a community tank.
Angelfish and Cherry Barbs
As Cherry Barbs are not as aggressive as other Barbs, it is possible to keep them with Angelfish. However, it is necessary to keep an eye on them, as Barbs can be fin nippers. Additionally, when adding Cherry Barbs, keeping them in schools will reduce the chances of nipping.
Fish Behaviour and Habitat Needs
Angelfish Behaviour and Habitat Needs
Angelfish are very admired by aquarists worldwide. They are beautiful and elegant. Thus, Angelfish commonly make awesome additions to aquariums. They measure around 6 inches in length and 10 in height and their lifespan is around 12 years.
Angelfish are Cichlids and however they are, in general, very peaceful fish, they can get quite aggressive if threatened or in territory competition. They make nice tank mates to many different species. However, they have long fins, and thus, should not be mates to fin nippers, as Tiger Barbs.
They are not schooling fish. However, it is important to keep at least two of them in a tank, because they feel safer in the company of conspecifics. They enjoy well-planted tanks, with a sandy substrate resembling their natural habitat in South America.
Cherry Barbs Behaviour and Habitat Needs
Cherry Barbs are also a very popular fish species among aquarium hobbyists. They are known due to their wonderful bright colours and their shoaling behaviour. Similarly to Angelfish, they appreciate well-planted tanks with plenty of space to swim around with their groups.
Male Cherry Barbs have more colourful patterns than females. Their lifespan is around 6 years and they grow up to 2 inches. They are commonly victims of larger aggressive fish.
Cherry Barbs, differently from other Barbs, are peaceful fish and not prone to fin nipping or aggression. Which makes them nice tankmates to many species in community tanks.
Water Parameters and Tank Requirements
Angelfish Water Parameters and Tank Requirements
Angelfish are originally from tropical water in South America, more specifically from the Amazon River basin. Thus, they prefer warmer temperatures in the tank, ranging from 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH balance should be between 6.5 to 8.0.
Due to their origin, they enjoy sandy substrates and plenty of vegetation. Live plants as Amazon swords are great additions to Angelfish tanks. They enjoy lots of vegetation because they provide hiding spots and food. Some other plant species are the Anacharis, Java Moss, and Java Fern.
As Angelfish are not small fish, they require at least 10-15 gallons of water per individual. They prefer to be kept in pairs for safety purposes. Thus, at least a 20-gallon tank is required for the pair.
Cherry Barbs Water Parameters and Tank Requirements
Cherry Barbs are shoaling fish and they require plenty of space for the group to swim around freely without being overpopulated. They require a tank with at least 25 gallons of water. Cherry Barbs should be kept in groups of at least 5 individuals. Otherwise, their natural behaviour could be severely affected. Temperatures should range between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH levels between 6.0 and 8.0.
Large well-plated tanks are good choices for Cherry Barbs schools. They appreciate hiding spots, mainly during spawning periods, as the males chase the females. Live plants will also make the tank more comfortable and the Cherry Barbs would feel safer. Plants such as Cabomba and Duckweed would be great choices as hiding spots in Cherry Barbs tanks.
Can I keep Cherry Barbs with Angelfish?
Yes, Cherry Barbs and Angelfish are two extremely compatible fish species. Both of them enjoy similar environments and thrive in the same water conditions range. Thus, keeping them in their ideal conditions would fit both.
They can live in harmony in a well-planted tank. In general, they are peaceful species. Thus, you should not have any issues when keeping both in the same tank, as a community.
The chances of Cherry Barbs becoming fin nippers are very low. Differently from their relatives, the Tiger Barbs. However, it is important to always observe the fish conditions. If the Angelfish show any signs of being nipped they should be moved apart from the other fish to avoid further injuries and even death.
Additionally, it is important to introduce the Cherry Barbs while the Angelfish are young, as their size would be more similar and the Angelfish would not see the Barbs as prey.
Angelfish ideal tank mates
In general, Angelfish are peaceful fish. However, they can see some smaller fish as prey, and begin to chase and bully them. Best tank mates for Angelfish are peaceful non-fin nipper fish. Such as:
- Corydoras Catfish
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Rainbowfish
- Mollies
- Loaches
Cherry Barbs ideal tank mates
Cherry Barbs are peaceful small schooling fish. Thus, other peaceful small to medium-sized fish species can make great tank mates to Cherry Barbs. Such as:
– Glass Catfish
– Danios
– Tetras
– Gouramis
– Platies
– Rasboras
Some invertebrates can also make nice tankmates to Cherry barbs, as they will not chase them out in the tank. Some small shrimp and snails can be great tank additions.
Conclusion
In this article, we understood the relationship between Angelfish and Cherry Barbs. We also discussed their requirements and explained if they can be set up together in a community tank.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Cherry Barbs
Can Cherry Barbs live with Angelfish?
Yes, Cherry Barbs can live with Angelfish. Although most Barbs can be quite aggressive and fin nippers, Cherry Barbs are an exception. They are not as aggressive as other Barbs and are very peaceful.
What fish go well with Cherry Barbs?
Lots of fish can make great tank mates to Cherry Barbs, except those large and aggressive fish that could chase, bully, and even devour the Cherry Barbs. Some of the Cherry Barbs best tank mates are Tetras, Danios, and Catfish.
Are Cherry Barbs nippers?
Differently from most Barbs, Cherry Barbs are not aggressive and are less prone to fin nipping. Thus, they can be housed with some long-finned fish.
Are Rosy Barbs compatible with Angelfish?
Similarly to the Cherry Barbs, the Rosy Barbs can do very well in community tanks. They are non-aggressive and non-fin nippers. Which males the Rosy Barbs very compatible to Angelfish and other long-finned fish species.
Can Betta fish live with Cherry Barbs?
Yes, Betta fish can be housed with Cherry Barbs. Both species have similar water and tank requirements, as well as similar diets.
Are Cherry Barbs peaceful?
Yes, Cherry Barbs are classified as peaceful species. They are schooling fish in the wild, which reflects their socialization capability. Additionally, they are an exception between the Barbs, joined with the Rosy Barbs.
References
Can I Keep Cherry Barbs with Angelfish? https://aqualifehub.com/can-i-keep-cherry-barbs-with-angelfish/
Smith, L. 2021. How to Properly Care for Cherry Barbs. https://fishtankadvisor.com/cherry-barb/
Robert. 2018. Cherry Barb Fish: Care, Tank Mates, Breeding, and More. https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/cherry-barb/
Sheppard, M. 2020. Cherry Barb 101: Care, Tank Mates, Diet, Breeding & More. https://www.aquariumsource.com/cherry-barb/
