In this post, we will learn more about whether you can set up Angelfish and Goldfish together in the same tank. We will also understand the biology and ecology of both fish species.
Angelfish and Goldfish
Angelfish and Goldfish are two popular freshwater fish species. They are admired by many aquarists and some hobbyists even love the idea of a tank containing both species. However, these fish have very different needs and should not be housed together.
Aquarium temperature
Goldfish are cold-water fish. As so, they require water temperatures ranging between 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, while Angelfish require warmer temperatures higher than 74 degrees. This in itself is reason enough to keep these fish separate, as the species can stop feeding, get sick, become aggressive or die if temperatures are not in the correct range.
Temperament
Goldfish are generally peaceful and can live healthy in groups. Although Angelfish can be housed with other fish, they tend to be aggressive when feeling threatened. They are extremely prone to attacking Goldfish. Thus, if you insist to keep them even with the water conditions differences, it is very likely that the Angelfish will attack the Goldfish.
Aquarium size
Small tanks can cause many health issues and limit the fish growth. Angelfish and Goldfish in small is very common, although this could be very harmful to the fish. Both fish species require ample space. Angelfish need at least 10 gallons of water per fish, similar to a young Goldfish. As Goldfish can grow very large, an adult Goldfish may need 20 to 30 gallons. Housing fish together can result in overcrowding if the space is limited and the water parameters can become an uncontrolled issue.
Diet
Angelfish and Goldfish can eat very similar food. Both are omnivorous, but Angelfish require a more protein-rich diet. Earthworms, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae are an excellent food for both fish. Chopped vegetables such as mustard and kale are also excellent choices, but they should be served to Goldfish in larger quantities.
Will Angelfish kill the Goldfish?
Angelfish can become somehow aggressive for many reasons. But it is extremely unlikely that an Angelfish will kill a Goldfish. While they do nip fins from time to time, they are mostly peace-loving and will do well in any community aquarium if there is plenty of space to establish their territory without fighting.
Angelfish can chase and eat smaller fish. If the Goldfish is small-bodied or too young, it would probably be devoured by the Angelfish. Thus, it would be better to remove the Goldfish to another tank.
It is more likely that your Goldfish will cause stress to the Angelfish. They can become obsessive during feeding time and also they generate a lot of waste. This could affect the water parameters and cause stress to the Angelfish, that are more sensitive to parameters fluctuations than the Goldfish.
What kind of fish can live with Goldfish?
We already know goldfish are cold-water fish. Therefore, it would only be logical to look for tankmates that are in that category or at least can tolerate lower temperatures.
However, certain carnivorous fishes should not be kept with Goldfish under any circumstances, otherwise, your Goldfish would turn into fish food.
What kind of fish can live with Angelfish?
Angelfish are warm-water fish from the Amazon River basin. In general, most fishes do well with Angelfish if plenty of space is provided, so they will not show territorial aggressive behaviours.
However, Angelfish have been known to chase and eat small-bodied schooling fish. They are cichlids and opportunistic omnivorous, which means they tend to eat anything that fits in their mouth.
Here are some tank mates that are commonly kept with Angelfish:
· Platies
· Plecos
· Dwarf Gouramis
· Swordtails
· Ram cichlids
· Mollies
Can Angelfish be kept alone?
Yes, Angelfish can be kept alone. However they prefer to be kept in small groups. This is because they feel safer in the company of conspecifics. Keep in mind to provide plenty of space in respect to the number of individuals would choose to keep together.
They can become quite aggressive toward each other when there is not enough space. Our recommendation for 1 adult Angelfish is a 55-gallon well-planted tank. This will not only give it enough space to swim around but also provides a natural set-up that will reduce stress.
Diseases
Angelfish and Goldfish if placed together will make the conditions unhealthy for at least one of the species, which could be harmful and very stressful. Due to water conditions, they could become vulnerable to infections and disease, one such disease is Ich.
Ich disease is a very common parasitic disease found in fish tanks. This disease has also been nicknamed “Goldfish Ich” because they tended to contract it and what it does to their body.
Angelfish are also more susceptible to Ich than other fish species. This disease can develop in fish whenever the water conditions are not adequate. If it begins to develop, it starts to spread throughout the aquarium bringing disaster for both the Angelfish and the Goldfish.
Ich development is normally associated to improper environmental settings. This can include any situations such as overcrowding, poor water conditions, or improper diet.
A tank with Angelfish and Goldfish together would show all of these conditions that favour the ich development. This is because creating the perfect conditions for one fish species would mean messing up the other’s environment.
Water Quality
With overcrowding comes bad water quality. A lot of fish can produce a lot of waste, which in turn makes the filter work harder and take longer to clean the water. This means a lot of time living in waste, which would make any fish unhappy.
Can I keep Angelfish and Goldfish together?
It is not recommended to keep Goldfish and Angelfish together. If possible, have two tanks, and adjust their conditions according to which of the ones lives in each tank.
Conclusion
In this post, we learnt whether you can set up Angelfish and Goldfish together in the same tank, and also understood their biology and requirements.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Goldfish
Can you put Goldfish and Angelfish together?
No, Goldfish cannot live with Angelfish because both of them require different conditions and water parameters. Additionally, both fish have different personalities. It is always important to consider the species temperament before setting them together in a community tank
What fish can you not keep with Angelfish?
In general, fin nipper fish species are not recommended to be kept with Angelfish. Additionally, it is always important to introduce your Angelfish while small and young to other fish, mainly the smaller ones. They would be less likely to see other species as prey.
Which fish is not compatible with Goldfish?
Small fish and Goldfish can be a good match until the Goldfish get big enough to eat them. In general, the recommendation is not to keep small-bodied fish in a Goldfish tank.
Are Angelfish well alone?
They do like to shoal in small groups, but ultimately it is up to a particular decision. The more Angelfish you have, the more likely they are to pair off, and if two pair off they could become quite aggressive towards fish that were previously fine together.
What size tank do I need for Angelfish?
Angelfish can grow up to 10 inches tall and 6 inches long which would require an aquarium of at least 55 gallons or larger when full grown. Tall aquariums can better accommodate their body shape.
Do Goldfish get lonely?
You might be surprised to learn that, no, they do not feel lonely. Based on everything we know about Goldfish, it is very unlikely that Goldfish feel loneliness.
References
Yoshida, M., Nagamine, M., & Uematsu, K. (2005). Comparison of behavioral responses to a novel environment between three teleosts, bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, crucian carp Carassius langsdorfii, and goldfish Carassius auratus. Fisheries Science, 71(2), 314-319.
Moyer, J. T., & Nakazono, A. (1978). Population Structure, Reproductive Behavior and Protogynous Hermaphroditism in the Angelfish. Centropyge interruptus at Miyake-jima, Japan. Japanese Journal of Ichthyology, 25(1), 25-39.
Olivotto, I., Holt, S. A., Carnevali, O., & Holt, G. J. (2006). Spawning, early development, and first feeding in the lemonpeel angelfish Centropyge flavissimus. Aquaculture, 253(1-4), 270-278.
Smith, A., & Gray, H. (2011). Goldfish in a tank: the effect of substrate on foraging behaviour in aquarium fish. Animal Welfare-The UFAW Journal, 20(3), 311.
