In this article, we will discuss “How many Angelfish in a community tank” and also know the best fish species to be kept in a community tank with Angelfish. We will also understand the reasons why Angelfish should not be kept alone.
How many Angelfish in a community tank
A minimum of a pair of Angelfish is needed to keep them healthy. However, the maximum number depends on the size of your community tank and how it is set up.
Although Angelfish are not classified as schooling fish, they should not be kept as a single of its species in a tank. It is important to highlight that the ideal Angelfish group would have 5 or 6 individuals.
Community tanks need to have more gallons/Angelfish than single species-tank. This is because of the presence of the other fish species, as the Angelfish can get quite aggressive about their territory. In a community tank, an Angelfish would require at least 20 gallons of water to live healthy and stress-free.
Why do I need more than one Angelfish?
Angelfish are not schooling fish, which means they do not depend on a group to live. However, they tend to feel safer and more comfortable in groups, even though they establish their individual territory.
The ideal number of Angelfish that should be kept in a tank is a minimum of 5 or 6. Additionally to the protection feeling, Angelfish tend to be more active when in a group. Which increases their lifespan and quality of life.
Nevertheless, it is always essential to emphasise the importance of considering at least 20 gallons of water per Angelfish in community tanks.
What happens if a single Angelfish is in a community tank?
If a single Angelfish is kept in a community tank it will probably develop more aggressive behaviours. Angelfish are classified as semi-aggressive due to their territory.
If an Angelfish is kept alone, this behaviour can be amplified, once it will interpret a sense of danger and not feel secure. It will understand the tank as a hostile and uncomfortable environment. This will lead to attacks towards tankmates and high-stress levels.
The stress levels, when too high for long periods, can lead to illnesses. They can reduce food ingestion, become less active, more susceptible to infections and other diseases.
Best tankmates for Angelfish
When opting for a community tank, it is important to reflect the biology and needs of each of the fish species you are considering to keep. Learning about their natural habitat, weather conditions and specifications, such as plants and other species, is very important to keep a healthy and happy community tank.
When you have a defined tank size, you can start thinking about what species and how many fish the tank comfortably supports. Some of the fish species that make awesome tankmates for Angelfish are:
– Dwarf Cichlids;
– Bolivian Ram;
– Molly Fish;
– Small Catfish species;
– Dwarf Gouramis;
– Pictus;
– Discus;
– Plecos.
Must-be-avoided fish with Angelfish?
Angelfish are not sociable with any fish immediately. Although after some time the day can get used to their presence in the tank. However, few fish species must be avoided as Angelfish tank mates.
Oscars and Convicts are Cichlids that, similarly to other Cichlids, should be avoided as Angelfish tank mates. They are quite aggressive and this could result in interminable fights.
Barbs are not good Angelfish tank mates as well. They are known to be fin-nippers, which could affect your Angelfish health.
Keep-in-mind stuff for community tanks
Remember to always consider the requirements of each of the fish you are planning to keep in the community tank. Some fish have more strict requirements than others.
Water parameters
Water parameters are the most important condition to keep your fish healthy. Wrong water parameters can result in bacteria and fungi growth. Thus, your fish could acquire an infection or illness.
Keep in mind information about the fish species natural habitat. Information about temperature, pH and water hardness are very important to be correct for your fish species.
Angelfish requirements are temperatures ranging between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and pH from 6.8 to 7.0. The water hardness required is between 3 and 8 dH.
Lighting
Another very important feature for your tank is the lighting. You also need to match the species to keep lighting ideal for every inhabitant of your tank.
Angelfish will enjoy tanks with 8 to 12 hours of light. Thus, consider having other fish species with similar lighting needs.
Plants
Plants are also very important for many fish species as they can use them as hiding spots and visual barriers. Angelfish also get some benefits from plenty of plants in the tank. The females can lay their eggs and they also use them as hiding spots.
Some popular plants for tanks are the Java Fern and the Java Moss. Plants can also resemble the natural habitat of your fish providing them with more natural behaviours.
Substrates
The substrate is also very important to the environment condition and appearance. Additionally, fine substrates require a well-established cleaning routine, as it demands more time and can get dirty. An option is other aquarium substrates, such as gravel.
Angelfish enjoy muddy and sandy substrates. However, if you are not able to keep a strict substrate cleaning condition, it is recommended to stick with gravel.
Cleaning Routine
Besides the substrate cleaning, there are other cleaning requirements for a healthy community tank. 20 to 25% of water changes weekly are recommended. The food scraps and fish wastes at the bottom can be removed using a siphon. Clean water and tank will keep your fish healthy and active.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed “How many Angelfish in a community tank” and also learnt the best fish species to be kept in a community tank with Angelfish. We also understood the reasons why Angelfish should not be kept alone.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How many Angelfish in a community tank
How many Angelfish can live together?
The ideal number of Angelfish in a tank would be a group with at least 5 or 6 individuals. However, the correct answer to this question depends on the tank size. If single species tank, it is recommended around 15 gallons of water per Angelfish. In community tanks, the recommendation is around 20 gallons of water per Angelfish.
Can Angelfish be in a community tank?
Yes, Angelfish can be kept in community tanks. However, it is important to match the ideal tankmates. Angelfish can get quite aggressive if they feel threatened. Thus, having tiny fish could be an issue, as well as other aggressive species, such as Oscars. With the right tankmates, Angelfish are peaceful and can live healthily in a community tank.
Can Neon Tetras live with Angelfish?
Yes, Neon Tetras make nice Angelfish tank mates. Only be sure the water and environment conditions are matching for both species.
How many Angelfish can go in a 30-gallon tank?
A 30-gallon tank can fit two Angelfish. As territorial fish, if you keep more than two individuals, they can get aggressive towards each other.
Can two female Angelfish live together?
Yes, two Angelfish females can live together without big issues in a tank. Make sure to get enough space for both of them, with a tank of at least 30-gallon size. Also, it is important to provide plenty of hiding spots, plants, and ideal water parameters.
What is a community fish tank?
A community tank is an aquarium with more than one fish species. Its design and set-up need to meet the requirements of all the fish species it contains. Thus, searching for information is very important to keep a healthy and happy community tank.
References
Maharjan, R. 2021. How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together? https://fishkeepingguide.net/how-many-angelfish-should-be-kept-together/#How_Many_Angelfish_Should_Be_Kept_Together
How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together? https://helpusfish.com/1/13/how-many-angelfish-should-be-kept-together.html
How many Angelfish? 3 Methods for Calculating How Many Angelfish You Can Put in Your Aquarium. 2012. https://aboutangelfish.com/how-many-angelfish-3-methods-for-calculating-how-many-fish-you-can-put-in-your-aquarium
