When setting up a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium, one of the most popular fish to include is the angelfish. Angelfish have a unique shape and elegant fins that make them a stunning highlight of many community tanks. However, angelfish do have some specific needs when it comes to tank mates. By choosing compatible fish that enjoy similar water conditions, you can create a thriving angelfish tank.
Quick Answers
Some quick answers to common questions about tank mates for angelfish include:
- Good tank mates: tetra species, rasboras, corydoras catfish, bristlenose plecos
- Avoid: large or aggressive fish like oscars or jack dempseys
- Number of angelfish: 1-6 is ideal in a 55 gallon
- Grouping: angelfish do best in small groups of their own kind
- Tank size: 55 gallons provides ample room when properly aquascaped
Angelfish Needs and Behaviors
When selecting tank mates for angelfish, it’s important to understand a few key elements of their needs and natural behaviors. Angelfish originate from the Amazon River basin in South America. Here are a few care requirements to keep in mind:
- Water Parameters: angelfish thrive in soft, slightly acidic water. Ideal pH is 6.5-7.0. Temperature should be 76-84°F.
- Adult Size: angelfish can grow up to 6 inches tall and require ample swimming space.
- Grouping: angelfish are cichlids and do best with small groups of 4-6 of their own kind.
- Behavior: angelfish are moderately aggressive. They are prone to nipping fins of slow moving fish.
- Feeding: angelfish are omnivores and need a varied diet of flakes, pellets, frozen or freeze-dried foods.
Knowing these care needs and natural behaviors will help guide you in choosing suitable tank mates from fish that share similar preferences.
Ideal Angelfish Tank Mates
Here are some of the top fish species that generally make good tank mates for angelfish in a 55 gallon aquarium:
Tetras
Tetras are a diverse group of small, active fish that do well with angelfish. Some popular tetra species include:
- Neon tetras
- Rummy nose tetras
- Black phantom tetras
- Diamond tetras
- Congo tetras
Tetras prefer similar water conditions as angelfish. They add movement and schooling behavior to the tank. Their small size also makes them non-threatening tank mates. Tetras are omnivores and readily accept flake foods, live foods and freeze-dried options.
Rasboras
Like tetras, rasboras originate from soft, acidic waters making them ideal angelfish companions. Good rasbora options include:
- Harlequin rasboras
- Ember tetras
- Lambchop rasboras
- Glowlight rasboras
Rasboras stay under 2 inches in length and school in the upper levels of the tank. Their peaceful nature and small size complement angelfish well. They should be kept in schools of 6 or more fish.
Corydoras Catfish
Also called cory cats, these bottom-dwelling fish do perfectly with angelfish. Some popular cory species for angelfish tanks are:
- Bronze corydoras
- Panda corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Emerald corydoras
Cories are social and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. They stay under 3 inches in length and help keep tank floors clean. Cory cats have armored bodies that protect them from angelfish nips. They are excellent community fish.
Bristlenose Plecos
Common plecos get too large for most home aquariums. But the bristlenose pleco stays under 6 inches and makes a great angelfish tank mate. Benefits include:
- Peaceful temperament
- Low bioload
- Algae eating
- Armored body
Even though bristlenose plecos are armored, it’s best to provide hiding spaces and driftwood for them to help avoid conflict with angelfish. One pleco is sufficient for most tanks.
Other Possible Options
With care and planning, the following fish can also work with angelfish in certain scenarios:
- Guppies – only if angelfish are well-fed, tank is heavily planted, no long finned varieties
- Mollies – depend on angelfish personality, may nip fins
- Platies – not recommended, likely to be nippy
- Swordtails – quick enough to avoid angelfish, fin nipping unlikely but possible
- Dwarf gourami – usually ok in planted tank with places to hide
These fish require slightly different conditions than angelfish, so do your research. Introduce tank mates gradually and watch for aggression issues.
Fish to Avoid With Angelfish
On the other hand, there are certain fish that should always be avoided with angelfish due to serious compatibility issues:
Large Cichlids
Fish like oscars, jack dempseys, convict cichlids, and firemouth cichlids are far too aggressive for angelfish. They will dominate the tank and likely kill angelfish and other tank mates.
Large Plecos
While bristlenose plecos are fine, avoid common plecos and other large growing pleco species. Their massive size and heavy bioload creates major issues.
Goldfish
Fancy goldfish need cold water while angelfish require tropical temperatures. This incompatible mix will lead to stress, disease and death for one or both fish groups.
Cichlids From Rift Lakes
African cichlids like mbuna, peacocks and haps occupy a different environment than angelfish. They are overly aggressive and likely to harass and kill angelfish tank mates.
Freshwater Sharks
Although they look neat, freshwater sharks like redtail sharks grow much too large for a 55 gallon tank. They also tend to be aggressive and predatory towards fish like angelfish.
Angelfish Tank Mate Summary
Here is a quick recap of the best and worst tank mates for angelfish:
| Good Tank Mates | Fish to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Tetras | Oscars |
| Rasboras | Jack Dempseys |
| Corydoras | Convicts |
| Bristlenose plecos | Firemouth cichlids |
| Dwarf gouramis | Common plecos |
| Mollies and guppies | Goldfish |
| African cichlids | |
| Freshwater sharks |
Focus on picking peaceful community fish that share the water parameter needs of angelfish. With some planning and research, you can set up a thriving angelfish tank in a 55 gallon aquarium.
Optimal Aquascaping for Angelfish
Properly setting up and decorating a 55 gallon angelfish tank is also key to their health and reducing aggression. Here are some aquascaping tips:
- Provide open swimming areas for angelfish near the top
- Incorporate plenty of plants like java fern, anubias and amazon swordplants to break sight lines
- Use rockwork, cave decor and driftwood to create territories and hiding spots
- Angelfish enjoy tanks with some vertical height – create different levels in the aquascape
- Dim lighting brings out the best coloration
- Fine gravel or sand substrate for angelfish and cory cats
A well-designed aquascape reduces aggression from territorial disputes. Angelfish and tank mates each get their own niche while plants provide infusoria and protection for small fish.
Water Parameters for Angelfish Tanks
One key to fish health is providing proper water conditions. Here are the ideal water parameters for angelfish and compatible community fish:
- Temperature: 76-82°F
- pH: 6.5-7.2
- Hardness: 2-12 dGH
- Ammonia and nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: Under 20 ppm
Angelfish prefer soft, slightly acidic water that mimics their natural habitat in the Amazon River basin. Regular partial water changes will maintain safe water parameters.
Feeding Angelfish and Tank Mates
Another essential aspect of fish care is proper nutrition. Angelfish and community fish have some varied nutritional needs.
For angelfish, provide a staple base diet of:
- High quality cichlid pellets and flakes
- Freeze dried or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, mysis shrimp
Supplement their diet with:
- Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, romaine
- Fresh or frozen foods like krill, crickets, blackworms
- Prepared cichlid gel foods
For tetra and rasbora tank mates, offer a similar mix of:
- Small tropical flakes
- Micro pellets
- Freeze dried bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops
- Live or frozen baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae
Bottom feeders like cory cats will appreciate:
- Sinking wafers
- Tablets
- Shrimp pellets
- Blanched veggies
Feed fish twice per day and only what they can consume within 2-3 minutes. This helps prevent wasted food that fouls water quality. Use a variety of foods to give fish a nutritionally complete diet.
Tank Maintenance Schedule
Consistent aquarium maintenance is vital for fish health in an angelfish community tank. Follow this schedule:
- Daily – Feed fish twice per day, inspect fish for signs of disease, check water temperature
- Weekly – 25-30% partial water change, clean glass for algae, wipe equipment
- Monthly – Check water parameters, deep gravel vacuum, trim plants as needed
- Every 3 months – Clean canister filter media, replace filter cartridges or sponges as needed
- Yearly – Replace light bulbs, test heater and equipment functionality
This routine maintenance prevents issues like poor water quality, algae buildup and clogged filters. It helps create ideal living conditions in an angelfish aquarium.
Conclusion
A 55 gallon aquarium provides ample room to create a thriving community tank for angelfish and compatible fish. Focus on schooling species like tetras, rasboras and cory catfish that share the needs of angelfish.
Avoid aggressive cichlids and large fish that may prey on angelfish. Properly aquascape the tank and perform routine maintenance. Test water parameters and feed fish a varied, nutritious diet. Follow these best practices and your angelfish will live happily with their tank mates.