If you have Angelfish in your mind for your aquarium, there are several aspects to maintain accurately for them. Amid this, knowing the precise number of fish to keep in a tank is crucial to prevent any hazards. Thus, people generally query: how many Angelfish should be kept together in an aquarium?
There must be at least 2 Angelfish together in any tank as they should be in a group or a pair. For proper schooling, you can keep 5 to 6 Angelfish together in a tank. Remember, each Angelfish require almost 10 gallons tank. So, analyze their existing number while keeping them together in an aquarium.
With this saying, a whole Angelfish group is fit to stay together in an 80-gallon tank size. However, the minimum tank size specified for keeping them together is a 20-gallon tank.
Knowing About Angelfish
Before the start, I would like to clarify that the Angelfish you will be reading about belongs particularly to Pterophyllum scalare species. However, there are other two Angelfish species, yet Pterophyllum scalare is a popularly available fish at present.
Angelfish are one of the favorite fish that aquarists prefer for their aquarium. They are catch of the eye as they have striking appearances. Their bodies are wide with trilateral nose structure, and heads resemble like an arrow. Also, their fan-like caudal fins and falling dorsal fins make them more attractive.
Talking about the behavior, Angelfish are somewhat calmer and less aggressive than other cichlid species. However, it can be misleading to declare them one of the peaceful fish as some aggressiveness runs in their blood.
Angelfish mainly get territorial aggressive. Meaning, they occupy some own territory in the tank where the approach of any other fish makes them offensive.
Although keeping Angelfish together in a tank prevents them from nervousness and anxiety, yet they might end up fighting to own a better position for themselves. Due to such aggression, Angelfish can attack and nip the fins of other fish too.
Thus, Angelfish are elegant and calmer cichlid species to add to the aquarium. Yet, their aggressive behavior can mount up and harm their tank mates, making the tank habitat dull. It is challenging to keep them in a community tank due to their uncertain aggression.
Are Angelfish Schooling Fish?
Either you keep Angelfish in a community tank or with their species entirely, the essential point to note is they shouldn’t be left alone.
For proper care and healthy life of Angelfish, it is significant to school them, at least a small school of 5 or 6 of them.
Here, the small schooling of Angelfish requires a big tank size. Due to this reason, people seem to leave them alone in a community tank, which is not safe.
If you have a small-sized tank or less than 50-gallon tank size, try keeping Angelfish in a pair. If small schooling is not possible, putting them in pair/s will also work great.
Thus, Angelfish are not typically schooling fish. But it is best to form a small group that includes at least 5 to 6 of them. If not, at least keep them together as a pair when you put them in the aquarium.
How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together?
Angelfish tend to be aggressive, yet they shouldn’t live solely in the aquarium. They are not typically schooling fish but stay best in a group for their pleasant life in a tank.
So, it is best to keep 5 or 6 Angelfish together in a group in the aquarium. You can still go for more of them, depending on the size of your tank. The more the fish, the more they flourish.
However, you can keep Angelfish together in a pair too. You can put 1 to 2 pair/s of fish if you are unsure about the tank size required for them. A duo of Angelfish living together is better than living separately.
Nevertheless, remember 5 to 6 Angelfish living together is the smallest school you can make for them. It is a minimum schooling number required for their splendid aquarium life.
How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together In A Community Tank?
Some people prefer Angelfish to keep with their species only to avoid any invasion in the tank. But it is sound to keep them in a community tank if you add the accurate number of fish in it.
The number of Angelfish to put in a community tank depends on the tank size you own. But their total number in a community tank is usually less than the number in their only specific tank, even if the tank size is similar.
For example, in an 80-gallon tank, you can keep a small school of Angelfish together consisting of 5 to 6 of them. But in a community tank of the same size, a small school of Angelfish cannot fit in it.
You can add a maximum of 4 Angelfish in the 80-gallon community tank. It happens because a community tank includes other fish species, including the Angelfish. Adding more than 4 Angelfish can make them suffocate and angry as they are strict about owning territory in the tank.
Therefore, the community tank size defines the number of Angelfish that should be together in a single aquarium.
Why Is It Essential To Keep Angelfish Together?
Angelfish flourish with elegance as they feel secure when schooled together. It means keeping them in a group of at least 5 to 6 of them together in a specific tank diminishes the negative drive in them.
Thus, it is essential to keep Angelfish together because:
- Keeping Angelfish together makes them relieved, secured, and comfortable in the tank.
- The group of own species helps to comfort and adjust them in the aquarium habitat well.
- The breeding phase of Angelfish takes place finely when their species circle is around.
- Angelfish tend to thrive more when kept in a group as they become quite active.
- Aggressive behavior is somewhat unlikely as the Angelfish get comfortable with their species.
Thus, it is significant to keep Angelfish together in a group as schooling gives a feeling of strength, comfort, and relaxation.
Required Tank Size For Keeping Angelfish Together
Like mentioned before, Angelfish are hardy fish to keep in an aquarium due to their territorial aggression. Thus, it is crucial to know the correct tank size for their comfortable stay without facing any suffocation.
There is a general rule of thumb for the fish, which states 1-inch fish requires 1 gallon of water. Following this rule, the size of Angelfish determines the tank size needed for them.
Here, a general Angelfish grows up to 6 inches big. As per the rule, they may require 6 gallons of water to survive better in a tank. But not to forget, they are extremely strict when it comes to occupying their own space. Thus, 6 gallons of water each may suffocate them as they are very active.
I would suggest at least 10-gallon tank water for each Angelfish. It will make the fish thrive comfortably, which also prevents their territorial aggression.
Minimum And Maximum Tank Size For Keeping Angelfish In A Group
Angelfish are better-thriving fish when kept in a group. So, you cannot keep them solely even in minimum tank size.
The minimum tank size required for Angelfish is a 20-gallon tank. When kept more than one or a pair of Angelfish, opting for 20-gallon tank size is appropriate and safe for them.
Moreover, avoid keeping Angelfish in a smaller aquarium, either a community tank or their only tank. Keeping them in a smaller tank may suffocate them as they cannot wander around.
Regarding the maximum tank size for Angelfish, there are no specific criteria. The more tank size you keep the fish on, the more space you can provide to them. But be cautious; the issue of tank overcrowding might create if you add Angelfish countlessly on a bigger tank.
Is It Suitable To Keep More Angelfish Together?
Angelfish are pretty difficult to look for as they are very territorial. They are not like any other smaller fish, which can adjust into a given tank area. They require more space to hold and roam.
However, the tank size is the main thing that influences the suitable number of Angelfish living in it. If the tank size is big enough, let’s say more than 100-gallon, you can keep more than 6 Angelfish in a group.
But if the tank size is medium or tiny, a small group of Angelfish cannot adjust there suitably. In such a case, if you keep more Angelfish to make them feel secure, the idea is not going to work. It leads to overcrowding.
Therefore, only a big tank size is suitable to keep more Angelfish species together as they require a comfortable tank space. Otherwise, the tank would be overcrowded, and your fish may feel suffocated.
Avoid Overcrowding In The Angelfish Aquarium. Know Why?
Overdoing or too much thing is always inapplicable for anything. Likewise, keeping more Angelfish in a tank may result in unfit as the tank will overcrowd.
The overcrowding issue is something that one must avoid in the Angelfish aquarium. Overcrowding makes them choked and unable to own their territory in the tank.
Besides, some male Angelfish get more aggressive and offensive if they have less space to wander in the tank. Also, due to overcrowding, Angelfish cannot find suitable partners for their mating stage. It invites more frustration and anger in them.
Thus, overcrowding of the Angelfish aquarium tends to result negatively in the tank as the fish gets too disturbed.
Can I Keep Angelfish Solely In A Tank?
Generally, Angelfish doesn’t belong to the social and quickly coordinating category in the aquarium. They seem to enjoy their space and flourish eventually. Following this, it looks unbothered to keep them solely in a tank.
But in actuality, keeping Angelfish solely in a tank is unseemly. A solely living Angelfish may seem fine from your sight, but they might be battling inside. Such fish are not happy but more aggressive than general.
Although Angelfish are territorial aggressive, giving fish a companion from their species is necessary. Thus, avoid keeping them solely in a tank by considering their behavior entirely. They should be in a pair in a specific tank, with or without other fish species.
What Happens If Angelfish Solely Lives In A Tank?
When Angelfish are solely living in any tank, they go through a lot of changes. Some general happenings that are likely if Angelfish solely lives in a tank are:
Leads To More Aggression
Angelfish are semi-aggressive than other fish species. But this aggression can reach a peak if they feel a sense of danger and nervousness.
A solely living Angelfish hesitates in the tank habitat with other fish species. They find the environment uncomfortable and dangerous as it is only one to stay over there. The fish may assume its tank mates as a threat, which can lead it to attack them.
Lacks Mating Partner
For the Angelfish mating, it is significant for them to find a partner in the tank that belongs to their species. When kept alone, they cannot find any partner to breed. It makes them more aggressive due to unfulfilled mating inducement.
Illness
An Angelfish gets nervous and uncomfortable when you first put them solely in a tank. It then leads to aggression, improper diet intake, no activeness, etc., in the fish.
Eventually, the fish may suffer badly due to physical and mental tension. Later, it may get sick and might invite many general Angelfish diseases.
Can I Select Some Tank Mates For Angelfish?
Yes, you can consider adding some tank mates for Angelfish in an aquarium. However, finding compatible fellows for them is not easy but not challenging too.
It is necessary to carefully analyze the behavioral pattern of other species while keeping them together with Angelfish. Otherwise, they might end up fighting and threatening each other.
Some of the tank mates that you can select for Angelfish are:
- Dwarf Cichlid
- Bolivian Ram
- Molly Fish
- Small Catfish
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Pictus
- Discus
- Plecos
You can add the mentioned species in the Angelfish tank. But remember to determine the number of each fish species before adding it to the aquarium. It prevents Angelfish from suffocation and territorial aggression.
Which Fish To Avoid In Angelfish Aquarium?
Angelfish don’t get along with any fish type instantly. They are very territorial and prefer having fewer tank mates in their aquarium.
However, there are few fish species with whom the Angelfish can rarely get compatible and social. Some cichlids species like Oscars and Convicts are highly aggressive fish that cannot get along with the Angelfish. Also, keep Barbs away from them as they are popular fin-nippers.
Besides, avoid keeping African and South American cichlids with Angelfish as their water environment requisite varies.
Things To Manage While Keeping Angelfish Together
While keeping Angelfish together in an aquarium, there are many crucial things to understand. Keeping them in a group or a pair is not adequate. It is essential to maintain every tank necessity for them, or else the tank habitat may get improper. Later, it will negatively influence the Angelfish.
Some essential things to manage in the aquarium while keeping Angelfish together are:
Water Parameters For Angelfish
Water is the source of living for Angelfish. Thus, its parameters are the most vital element to manage while keeping them together.
It is crucial to maintain correct water parameters for Angelfish to secure their health.
Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature for Angelfish in the aquarium would be 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 28 degrees Celsius). They require warm water to thrive better in a tank.
Any fluctuation in the water temperature makes Angelfish dull and lazy. Slowly, they stress out from this situation, which can affect their health.
PH Level And Water Hardness
In the original habitat of Angelfish, they live in acidic water, including almost no salinity or a little only. Thus, in a tank, they require a pH level ranging from 6.8 to 7.
The water hardness required for Angelfish is 3 to 8 dKH (degree of Carbonate Hardness).
Thus, it is essential to maintain water hardness and adjust pH level accurately in the aquarium.
Lighting
Angelfish wants tank lighting of almost 8 to 12 hours a day. You can place any aquarium light that imitates like the sunlight.
Plants
Adding some plants to increase the green in the aquarium benefits the Angelfish. Plants usually offer hiding space where the female Angelfish can lay their eggs too.
Here, you can pick such plants which reflect the essence of the Amazon River. I would suggest you Amazon Sword plants as it provides a comfortable stay for the Angelfish.
Besides, you can also select some Java Fern, Java Moss, and Brazilian Waterweed, also known as Anacharis, for the Angelfish aquarium.
Such plants make Angelfish aquarium look attractive as it gives a feeling of natural habitat to the fish.
Substrates
Angelfish lives in wet and muddy areas in the Amazon basin, with sandy substrates. Thus, you can use sand for providing a natural stream base to Angelfish even in the aquarium.
You can also go for other aquarium substrates like gravel if you are unsure about cleaning sand frequently.
Neat And Clean Aquarium Habitat
Besides every tank setup for Angelfish, the crucial thing to maintain is a neat and clean aquarium habitat.
Keep the water quality fresh and pure so that Angelfish could breathe purified oxygen in the tank.
Perform at least 20% to 25% water change in a week to remove filth from the tank. Remove all the leftover food, fish excretion, and extra algae build-up on time.
Maintaining a neat and clean tank habitat makes the Angelfish fresh and active. It helps them to stay healthy, which lets them thrive better in the aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Keep 2 Male Angelfish Together?
Keeping two male Angelfish together would be fine until they get matured. Once they grow perfectly, they may not get along as their behavior would clash.
Also, keeping two male Angelfish makes them no way to breed due to the lack of female fish. It might create more trouble between them.
How Many Angelfish Can I Keep Together In A 10-Gallon Water Tank?
Honestly, A 10-gallon tank for the Angelfish is inappropriate.
A single Angelfish almost require 10-gallon water for their survival in the tank. Yet, you cannot keep it in such a smaller tank because the fish has to be alone in the tank, where it can get anxious and uncomfortable. Thus, keeping Angelfish in a 10-gallon water tank is unsafe as the tank size is unsuitable for them.
Can I Keep 3 Angelfish Together?
Keeping an odd number of Angelfish together in a tank is the worst thing you can decide. Likewise, 3 Angelfish makes them challenging to make a pair. When they finally make a pair, the other one would be left out alone. Thus, you cannot keep 3 Angelfish together in a tank to make their life flourishing.
Conclusion
Determining the number of Angelfish to keep in an aquarium always creates perplexity. It is difficult as they are somewhat challenging to maintain.
However, you can keep a small school of 5 to 6 Angelfish together in an 80-gallon tank with the necessary tank setup. If you have a smaller-sized tank, at least keep them in a group or a pair. But remember, the minimum tank of 20-gallon is essential for Angelfish.
Keep your Angelfish healthy and happy in the aquarium!
