Angelfish are one of the true icons of the freshwater aquarium hobby. Their graceful swimming, elegant finnage and incredible variety of colours make them a stunning centrepiece for larger planted aquariums. With the right care, Angelfish develop unique personalities and can become one of the most rewarding fish you'll ever keep.

Why You'll Love Angelfish

• Elegant centrepiece fish with flowing fins
• Available in a huge range of colours and patterns
• Intelligent fish that quickly recognise their owners
• Can form lifelong breeding pairs
• Perfect for planted display aquariums

Creating the Ideal Home

Tank Size

Angelfish require height as much as swimming space. A minimum aquarium of 150 litres is recommended for a small group or breeding pair, with taller aquariums providing the best long-term environment for their distinctive body shape.

Temperature

Angelfish thrive between 25–29°C, with stable temperatures helping to maintain good health and encourage breeding behaviour.

Water Quality

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm
• pH: 6.2–7.5

Angelfish appreciate mature, stable aquariums with excellent filtration and regular water changes. Good water quality is essential for healthy fin development and vibrant colour.

Filtration

Moderate filtration is ideal. Maintain excellent biological filtration while avoiding excessively strong currents that may make swimming difficult for long-finned varieties.

Aquascaping

Tall plants such as Amazon Swords, Vallisneria and large pieces of driftwood create a natural South American environment. Leave open swimming areas while providing vertical structures where breeding pairs may choose to spawn.

Feeding

Angelfish are omnivores that benefit from a varied, protein-rich diet.

• Premium cichlid pellets
• High-quality tropical flakes
• Frozen bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Live foods as an occasional treat

A varied diet supports strong growth, vibrant colours and successful breeding.

Suitable Tank Mates

Angelfish do best with peaceful to semi-peaceful fish that are too large to be considered food and won't nip their flowing fins.

• Corydoras
• Bristlenose Plecos
• Rummy Nose Tetras
• Congo Tetras
• Larger Rainbowfish
• Peaceful Gouramis
• Rams
• Apistogramma

Avoid fin-nipping species such as Tiger Barbs, as well as very small fish like Neon Tetras if keeping fully grown Angelfish, as they may eventually be viewed as food.

Popular Angelfish Varieties

• Silver Angelfish
• Koi Angelfish
• Marble Angelfish
• Black Angelfish
• Gold Angelfish
• Platinum Angelfish
• Albino Angelfish
• Blue Angelfish
• Veil Angelfish
• Pinoy Angelfish
• Manacapuru Angelfish
• Altum-Type Angelfish

Angelfish FAQs

How big do Angelfish grow?

Most aquarium Angelfish reach around 15 cm in body length, but their fins can extend their overall height to 25 cm or more. Taller aquariums are therefore more important than many people realise.

Can Angelfish live in community aquariums?

Yes. They generally make excellent community fish when housed with peaceful tank mates of a suitable size and similar water requirements.

Can Angelfish eat small fish?

Yes. As Angelfish mature, they may eat fish small enough to fit into their mouths. Very small tetras and tiny rasboras are not always suitable companions for adult Angelfish.

Do Angelfish breed easily?

Healthy pairs often spawn in established aquariums, laying eggs on broad leaves, driftwood or flat vertical surfaces. Good water quality and a nutritious diet encourage successful breeding.

Can I keep multiple Angelfish together?

Yes. Juveniles are often kept in groups, but adults can become territorial, particularly during breeding. Larger aquariums with plenty of visual barriers help reduce aggression.