Angelfish are considered among the most popular choices for aquarists due to their lovely appearances and graceful movements. However, more knowledge is demanded should an aquarist want to take in a few angelfish in their tank.
For example, can angelfish live alone? Or do they prefer to be paired with some others? In today’s article, let’s have a look at how angelfish navigate their lives inside the aquarium. Keep reading to find out more!
Can Angelfish Live Alone?
Whether angelfish can live alone or not depends on the environment itself.
If the fish is left in a single tank, chances are they will soon wither and develop a high level of stress due to loneliness. But if there is one angelfish in a community tank, they probably will be fine.
Admittedly, angelfish feel much better when they have a companion, namely a school of 3 to 4 fish of the same species. That said, if the situation requires solidarity, angelfish are perfectly fine living on their own.
Angelfish – What You Need To Know
Tank size
The average size of a fully grown angelfish is roughly 6 inches in length. Should you intend to keep at least a few angelfish in the same tank, it is recommended that you have a 50-gallon tank.
This way, all of the fish will be provided with enough space to move around.
Now, since angelfish have elongated fins that stretch up and down, a tall aquarium will be preferable to a large one.
Tank setup
Angelfish are native to tropical South America, meaning they prefer slow-moving water with dim lights and lots of vegetation. Thus, make sure the water flow inside is gentle enough to support the fish’s movements, as angelfish do not take kindly to being flown aggressively.
You should also put in several broadleaf plants since they provide a perfect hiding spot and playground for the fish. If the tank is placed somewhere brightly lit, consider having some floating plants on top of the water’s surface. They would help offer the much-needed shade for your fish.
Water conditions
As angelfish are from tropical areas, they are more comfortable if the water is slightly warmer than usual. The ideal temperature range should fall between 77 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. As for the pH level, keep it between 6.8 and 7.8 then you should be fine.
While angelfish are not particularly picky about their living environment, they still need a weekly water change. You are advised to perform a 10% water change every week and a 25% water change every two weeks.
Temperament
Angelfish are generally peaceful. They do not engage in fights unless they are seriously provoked, mostly in the case of feeding, mating, and spawning. Furthermore, if left starving, angelfish may end up eating smaller fish inside the tank.
While angelfish can live in harmony with almost all other species, it is best to keep them with fish of the same size. This way, your angelfish will not pose a threat to others.
Feeding
Angelfish are omnivores, meaning they can take in both protein-rich meals and plant matters. Thus, feel free to diversify their diet by combining live and frozen foods. Anything from shrimp pellets to flakes will suffice.
To prevent them from overfeeding, you should only feed angelfish once or twice per day. A quick feeding of no more than 2 minutes should be enough.
Breeding
Breeding among angelfish is a piece of cake. The rough part is mostly about finding the right mate and pairing off. Afterward, the female fish will lay eggs on a flat surface and guard them there to shoo other fish away.
Her mate will soon follow and fertilize them, and the fry is expected to come to life after a few days.
Sadly, most captive angelfish may end up eating their offspring. This is the reason why professional breeders have to pay attention all the time should they want angelfish to be born safely.
FAQs
1. Can angelfish live with other species?
In most cases, yes. Angelfish are relatively peaceful and can share their habitat with other species as well. That said if you want to reduce the chance of collision, make sure your angelfish are positioned with equally peaceful fish.
Another point to remember is that angelfish can be rather voracious. They may end up eating anything that fits inside their mouth. Thus, you may want to avoid keeping smaller fish inside the same tank as angelfish.
2. How many angelfish should you keep together?
You should keep angelfish in an even number. While angelfish enjoy having a companion, they do not necessarily love being surrounded by a crowd. Rather, angelfish prefer having a particular companion that swims with them in pairs.
Thus, should the conditions allow, 4 angelfish or 6 angelfish will make a great match.
3. Can you keep angelfish with bigger fish?
Ideally no. Bigger fish may end up being a threat to angelfish, as they can consume smaller animals inside the tank. If you want all of your fish to stay healthy and active, make sure to keep fish of the same size together. This way neither can be a threat to the other.
4. What size tank do I need for a pair of angelfish?
If you intend to have 2 angelfish only, a 30-gallon tank will suffice. Not only does it provide enough space for both of them to move around comfortably, but it also helps you save money by not having to purchase a much larger aquarium.
Conclusion
Can angelfish live alone? Yes, but not preferably. If possible, make sure you have at least 3 to 4 angelfish in the same tank. This way, your fish are bound to thrive in the long run!
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.
