The Angelfish is one of the favorite species for tropical fish aquariums. They are available in various patterns and colors with a lifespan of up to 10 years or more.
When putting them into your aquarium, you should consider their growth rate.
Honestly, there is no uniform angelfish growth rate as it will depend on many factors, which we will discuss below.
But from our experience and many aquarists, we have come to one conclusion.
So keep reading to see more!
Contents
Angelfish Growth Rate: How Fast Do They Grow?
On average, angelfish can reach 6 inches in length and up to 8 inches tall. Their fastest rate of growth will happen in their first six months.
There is no standard growth rate for angelfish. Some may grow slower than others. It can be because of genetics, feed type, tank size, and water conditions.
But the following is the ideal growth rate for angelfish:
- 2-inches in 2 months.
- 3-inches in 3 months.
- 4-inches in 6 months.
- 6-inches within one year.
Angelfish can reach six inches in length
What Are Angelfish?
Freshwater angelfish live mainly in South America and belong to the cichlid family.
Angelfish’s standard colors were silver, but they are now available in many colors after many years of breeding.
Here are some types of angelfish that grow well in aquariums:
| Angelfish Types | Average Maximum Size In Captivity |
| Zebra Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Half-Black Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Koi Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Blushing Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Golden Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Marble Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Black Lace Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Golden Marble Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Silver Angelfish | 6 inches |
| Altum Angelfish | 7 inches |
Average Angelfish Size and Care Instructions
Many factors may affect the angelfish growth rate
Diet
The diet your angelfish receives can directly affect their growth rate.
As omnivores, angelfish favor a high-protein diet that is rich in fiber. Here are our recommendations for what to include in your angelfish’s diet:
- Krill
- Worms
- Larvae
- Insects
- Small fish
- Water fleas
- Brine shrimp
- Crustaceans
Angelfish are big eaters, so you should feed them twice per day. Their young may ask for food multiple times a day, and mating pairs should eat thrice or thrice daily.
You can ensure your angelfish is getting enough fiber by adding cooked vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.
Tank Size
Angelfish may become aggressive when you keep them with other species. So we recommend keeping your angelfish in a separate aquarium with a group of no more than six individuals.
Ideally, each angelfish usually requires 10 gallons of space or more.
An aquarium of at least 80 gallons will work well for a small school. But the bigger the aquarium, the better for your fish.
Water Conditions
The ideal tank temperature for angelfish ranges from 23.89 to 27.78°C (or 75 to 82°F).
Also, these animals favor lots of light. It can be eight to twelve hours of artificial light or natural sunlight.
As angelfish prefer to dig, your tank’s substrate should be soft enough to avoid causing injuries.
Mud and sand should take up most of the tank’s floor, though adding some rocks to certain parts is okay.
Tank Set-up
The condition of the water in the aquarium can also affect the growth rate of your angelfish.
So if you want them to be as healthy as possible, it is essential to ensure your tank water is always in top condition.
Ideally, ensure the levels of ammonia and nitrate are zero. However, if it is not possible, keep them as low as possible.
To accomplish this, it is wise to test your water regularly and make water changes.
Adding various live plants to your aquarium will also reduce nitrate levels. They will also make your aquarium look more eye-catching.
Finally, ensure the pH level of your aquarium water is between 6.8 and 7.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take for Angelfish to Reach Full Size?
Angelfish have a reasonably long lifespan, lasting from ten to twelve years.
So they don’t grow as fast as other fish. In the best case, they usually take approximately eight to twelve months to hit the full size.
The environment and the size of your tank play an essential role in overall determining that.
What Determines the Definitive Angelfish’s Size?
The growth rate of angelfish depends on many factors, including:
- The species in question
- Tank size
- Living plants
- Aquarium companions
- Adequate food
- Water quality
How Long Do Angelfish Live?
According to many aquarists, the average lifespan of angelfish ranges from 10 to 12 years, sometimes longer.
Angelfish is one of the longest-living fish you can have in your aquarium. So you should prepare to keep them for the long run.
How Big Can Angelfish Get?
Freshwater angelfish typically grows approximately 6 inches long in captivity. Sometimes, they will grow up to 8 inches in ideal conditions.
The largest angelfish ever recorded is about 20 inches long, measured from the dorsal fin tip to the anal fin tip.
How Can I Tell My Angel Fish’s Age?
There is no exact way to determine your angelfish age if you do not know its date of birth. Yet, some aquarists say the bigger their eyes, the older they are.
So, if you see individuals with bigger eyes than the rest, maybe they are seniors of your tank.
What Can Kill Angelfish?
Angelfish might die from poor tank conditions, water changes, disease, and stress.
The Bottom Line
Some wild angelfish can grow up to 10 inches, while the average size of angelfish in freshwater aquariums is 6 inches.
They will grow quickly at first, reaching up to 4 inches in 6 months, and it can take up to one year (or longer) to reach their full size. But remember that the growth rate is unique for each fish!
Thanks for your time!
Alex is a pet freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, which was where he first got some experience in animal nutrition. After graduating from University, Alex began sharing his knowledge as a freelance writer specializing in pets.
