{"id":47203,"date":"2026-10-30T03:23:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T01:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/?p=47203"},"modified":"2026-10-30T03:23:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T01:23:31","slug":"angelfish-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/angelfish-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Setup, Tankmates and Feeding"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mts-article\">\nAngelfish look like the most delicate fish in the shop, all tall fins and slow grace, but they are cichlids with real personality. They recognise the person who feeds them, pair up, defend territory and, if you plan the tank around their size and temperament, live for up to ten years.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mts-summary\">\n<strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Freshwater angelfish (<em>Pterophyllum scalare<\/em>) need a <strong>tall tank, at least about 45 cm high<\/strong>, with <strong>roughly 100 liters for a pair<\/strong> and more for a group. Keep the water at <strong>24\u201329\u00b0C<\/strong> with a <strong>pH of about 6.0\u20137.5<\/strong> and soft to moderately hard water, and feed a varied diet once or twice a day. Avoid fin-nipping tankmates and tiny fish that adult angels can eat. Buy a small group of young angels and let them pair off naturally.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"toc\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#basics\">Angelfish at a Glance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#tank\">Tank Size and Shape<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#water\">Water Parameters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#scape\">Plants and Decor<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#varieties\">Popular Angelfish Varieties<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#group\">How Many Angelfish to Keep<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#tankmates\">Tankmates: What Works<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#feeding\">Feeding Angelfish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#breeding\">Pairs and Breeding Behaviour<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#arrival\">Choosing and Bringing Home New Angelfish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#health\">Health Signs to Watch<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#mistakes\">Common Angelfish Mistakes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Setup, Tankmates and Feeding<\/h1>\n<h2 id=\"basics\">Angelfish at a Glance<\/h2>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;min-width:440px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Fact<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Detail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Origin<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Amazon Basin, South America<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Adult size<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Around 15 cm long and taller than that with fins<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Lifespan<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Up to about 10 years with good care<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Temperament<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Mostly peaceful; territorial when pairing and breeding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Care level<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Beginner to intermediate, in a mature tank<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>The angelfish you buy are usually juveniles of a few centimeters. That is exactly why so many end up in tanks that are too small a year later. Plan the tank for the adult.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tank\">Tank Size and Shape<\/h2>\n<p>Height matters as much as volume. Angelfish grow tall, so choose a tank <strong>at least about 45 cm high<\/strong>, and allow <strong>roughly 100 liters for a pair<\/strong>, with more space for a group of young fish that will later pair off. A longer tank also gives a breeding pair room to claim territory without bullying everyone else.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Gentle flow:<\/strong> those long fins are not built for strong current.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A fully cycled tank:<\/strong> add angels to a mature tank, not a new one. Our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-to-cycle-a-new-aquarium-nitrogen-cycle-explained\/\">nitrogen cycle guide<\/a> explains how.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A lid:<\/strong> angels rarely jump, but a cover reduces evaporation and keeps temperature stable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Filtration and heat:<\/strong> the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/jeneca-lt600-external-hanging-filter\/\">Jeneca LT-600 Hang-On Filter<\/a> (up to 500 L\/H) suits most angelfish tanks; aim its return so the flow stays soft. For heating, the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/sunsun-gr-300c-digital-heater-300w\/\">SunSun GR-300C Digital Heater<\/a> shows the set temperature on an external display. Need a tall tank? Our team builds <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/custom-built-aquarium\/\">custom aquariums<\/a> to your exact size.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"water\">Water Parameters<\/h2>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;min-width:440px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Parameter<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Target<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Temperature<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">24\u201329\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">pH<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">About 6.0\u20137.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Hardness<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Soft to moderately hard, about 3\u20138 dGH<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Ammonia and nitrite<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Zero<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Nitrate<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Keep it low with regular water changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Most captive-bred angels adapt well to a stable pH within that range, so do not chase a number. Change about 25\u201330% of the water every week, and treat new water with a conditioner. See <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/water-parameters-101-testing-ph-ammonia-nitrite-nitrate\/\">Water Parameters 101<\/a> for testing and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-change-aquarium-water-complete-guide\/\">our water change guide<\/a> for the routine.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"scape\">Plants and Decor<\/h2>\n<p>Angelfish come from slow, plant-filled waters and feel safest among tall stems and vertical wood. Leave open water in the middle for swimming.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Tall background plants and vertical driftwood<\/strong> recreate their natural habitat and give them cover.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Broad leaves<\/strong> are where a pair will often lay its eggs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tannins<\/strong> from Indian almond leaves give the water a soft amber tint and a more natural feel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Easy plants and natural touches:<\/strong> <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/java-fern\/\">Java Fern<\/a> and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/anubias-barteri-nana-coin\/\">Anubias Barteri Nana<\/a> grow on wood and tolerate warm water, and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/indian-catappa-almond-leaves\/\">Indian Almond (Catappa) Leaves<\/a> release natural tannins. For more plant ideas, see our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/best-low-tech-aquarium-plants-for-beginners\/\">low-tech plants guide<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"varieties\">Popular Angelfish Varieties<\/h2>\n<p>All the colour forms below are the same species, <em>Pterophyllum scalare<\/em>, so they share the same care and can live together.<\/p>\n<h3>Koi Angelfish \u2013 Orange, Black and White<\/h3>\n<p>A marbled mix of orange, black and white that varies from fish to fish. The Yellow Head Koi adds a bright golden head.<\/p>\n<h3>Blue Diamond \u2013 Blue Shine with Age<\/h3>\n<p>Young fish look plain, but the blue colouring develops as they mature.<\/p>\n<h3>Bulgarian and Leopard \u2013 Classic Patterns<\/h3>\n<p>Bulgarian angels show soft, elegant markings, while Leopard angels are covered in dark spots.<\/p>\n<h3>Super Red Devil Longfin \u2013 Flowing Fins<\/h3>\n<p>Longfin forms have extra-long, trailing fins. They are beautiful but even more vulnerable to fin-nippers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Angelfish in stock now:<\/strong> <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/yellow-head-koi-angelfish-live-freshwater-fish\/\">Yellow Head Koi Angelfish<\/a> (4\u20135 cm), <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/blue-diamond-angelfish-pterophyllum-scalare\/\">Blue Diamond Angelfish<\/a> (5 cm), <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/koi-angel\/\">Koi Angel<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/bulgarian-angel\/\">Bulgarian Angel<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/leopard-angel\/\">Leopard Angel<\/a> and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/super-red-devil-angel-longfin\/\">Super Red Devil Angel Longfin<\/a>. Fish are live animals, so colour and size can vary slightly from the photos.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"group\">How Many Angelfish to Keep<\/h2>\n<p>Angelfish are social when young and more territorial as adults. The most reliable approach is to <strong>buy a group of five or six juveniles<\/strong> in a large enough tank and let them pair off naturally. Once a pair forms, it may claim part of the tank; in a smaller tank, you may need to rehome the extra fish.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>A single angel<\/strong> is fine in a community tank and avoids pairing aggression.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A known pair<\/strong> works well in a 100-liter tank.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Three or four adults<\/strong> in a small tank is where most fighting happens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"tankmates\">Tankmates: What Works<\/h2>\n<p>Good angelfish tankmates are peaceful, not too small, and not interested in long fins.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Bottom dwellers:<\/strong> bristlenose plecos and corydoras keep to the bottom and stay out of the angels&#8217; way.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medium tetras in groups:<\/strong> Rummy Nose tetras work well, especially if they are added before the angels grow large.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other calm, mid-sized community fish<\/strong> with similar water needs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid:<\/strong> fin-nippers such as tiger barbs, and very small fish like tiny tetras or shrimp, which adult angels may eat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Tankmates in stock:<\/strong> the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/longfin-albino-bristlenose-pleco-ancistrus-sp\/\">Longfin Albino Bristlenose Pleco<\/a> is peaceful, grazes algae and needs driftwood for hiding and rasping, and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/rummy-nose-tetra\/\">Rummy Nose Tetras<\/a> make a lively school. Our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/best-community-fish-freshwater-aquarium\/\">community fish guide<\/a> shows how to build a balanced tank around angelfish, and the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/fish-compatibility-guide-which-fish-can-live-together\/\">compatibility guide<\/a> covers more options.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"feeding\">Feeding Angelfish<\/h2>\n<p>Angelfish eat both prepared and meaty foods. Feed <strong>once or twice a day<\/strong>, only what they finish in about two minutes, and offer variety through the week.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Staple:<\/strong> a quality pellet or stick sized for their mouths.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Variety:<\/strong> foods that mimic live prey, plus frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp if you use them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bottom fish:<\/strong> make sure some food reaches the plecos and corydoras too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Foods angelfish enjoy:<\/strong> <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/royal-king\/\">Royal King<\/a> is a 45% protein small pellet made for angelfish and other small-mouthed fish, and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/royal-king-sticks\/\">Royal King Sticks<\/a> offer the same in stick form. For variety, try <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/fluval-bug-bites-tropical-granules-100g\/\">Fluval Bug Bites<\/a> or <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/hikari-vibra-bites\/\">Hikari Vibra Bites<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"breeding\">Pairs and Breeding Behaviour<\/h2>\n<p>A pair usually announces itself: two fish stay together, clean a broad leaf, a piece of slate or the glass, and chase other fish away from that spot. The female lays rows of eggs and both parents fan and guard them.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Expect territory:<\/strong> breeding pairs become much more defensive, which can stress tankmates in a small tank.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Early spawns often fail:<\/strong> young pairs commonly eat their first eggs and improve with practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Raising fry<\/strong> is easiest in a separate tank with very gentle filtration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"arrival\">Choosing and Bringing Home New Angelfish<\/h2>\n<p>Healthy young angels are alert, swim upright with fins held open, and come forward when food appears. Avoid fish that hang at the surface, hide in a corner with clamped fins, or show white spots or torn fins.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Prepare the tank first:<\/strong> it should be fully cycled, heated and stable before the fish arrive.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Float the bag<\/strong> for about 15\u201320 minutes so the temperature matches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add tank water to the bag gradually<\/strong> over 20\u201330 minutes so the fish adjust to your water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Net the fish into the tank<\/strong> and throw away the bag water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep the lights low<\/strong> for the rest of the day and feed lightly the next day.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"mts-tip\">\n<strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you already keep fish, a separate quarantine tank for two to three weeks is the simplest way to avoid bringing disease into your main aquarium.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"health\">Health Signs to Watch<\/h2>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;min-width:520px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">What you see<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Likely cause<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">First step<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Frayed or torn fins<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Fin-nipping tankmates or poor water<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Watch the tank, test the water, separate the nipper<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">White spots like salt grains<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">White spot disease (ich)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Treat the whole tank, following the product directions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Hiding, dark colour, not eating<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Stress, bullying or water quality<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Test the water and look for an aggressive tankmate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Fast breathing at the surface<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Low oxygen or ammonia<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Change water and add surface movement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Warm water holds less oxygen, so in hot weather keep the tank below about 29\u00b0C; our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-to-cool-your-aquarium-in-summer-heat\/\">summer cooling guide<\/a> explains how.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mistakes\">Common Angelfish Mistakes<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>A tank that is too short or too small<\/strong> for the adult fish.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Housing them with fin-nippers,<\/strong> which shred their long fins.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adding tiny fish<\/strong> that become food as the angels grow.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keeping three or four adults<\/strong> together in a small tank, which leads to fighting once pairs form.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skipping water changes,<\/strong> which shows first as frayed fins and dull colour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you see clamped fins, white spots or frayed edges, check your water first and then read our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/common-freshwater-fish-diseases-treatment\/\">fish diseases guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>How big do angelfish get?<\/strong><br \/>Around 15 cm long, and taller than that including their fins, so they need a tall tank.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>What size tank do angelfish need?<\/strong><br \/>Roughly 100 liters for a pair, at least about 45 cm high, and more for a group.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Can angelfish live with tetras?<\/strong><br \/>Yes, with medium tetras such as Rummy Nose in a group. Very small tetras may be eaten by adult angels.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Are angelfish aggressive?<\/strong><br \/>Mostly peaceful, but pairs become territorial when they breed, especially in small tanks.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>How often should I feed angelfish?<\/strong><br \/>Once or twice a day, only what they eat in about two minutes, with variety through the week.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Can different angelfish colours live together?<\/strong><br \/>Yes. Koi, Blue Diamond, Bulgarian, Leopard and Longfin forms are all the same species.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Can angelfish live with shrimp?<\/strong><br \/>Not reliably. Adult angels see small shrimp as food.\n<\/div>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Give angelfish height, gentle flow, clean water and peaceful tankmates that are not bite-sized, and they become the calm centrepiece of a planted tank for years.<\/p>\n<h3>Recommended Products<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/yellow-head-koi-angelfish-live-freshwater-fish\/\">Yellow Head Koi Angelfish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/blue-diamond-angelfish-pterophyllum-scalare\/\">Blue Diamond Angelfish<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/longfin-albino-bristlenose-pleco-ancistrus-sp\/\">Longfin Albino Bristlenose Pleco<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/royal-king\/\">Royal King Angelfish Food<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/jeneca-lt600-external-hanging-filter\/\">Jeneca LT-600 Hang-On Filter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/java-fern\/\">Java Fern<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/best-community-fish-freshwater-aquarium\/\">Best Community Fish for a Freshwater Aquarium<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a 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New Aquarium: The Nitrogen Cycle Explained<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Angelfish look like the most delicate fish in the shop, all tall fins and slow grace, but they are cichlids<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":298,"featured_media":47204,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wpai_generated_summary":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"mts_hero_image_prompt":"","mts_hero_image_alt":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1040],"tags":[925,1340,1342,910,927,928,913,1156],"class_list":["post-47203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fish-care","tag-angelfish","tag-angelfish-care","tag-cichlids","tag-community-fish","tag-fish-care","tag-fish-compatibility","tag-freshwater-aquarium","tag-planted-aquarium"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/angelfish-care-guide-hero.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/298"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47203"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47213,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47203\/revisions\/47213"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47204"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}