Angelfish are one of the most popular freshwater fish for home aquariums due to their graceful appearance, unique personalities, and relatively easy care requirements. However, keeping them with the wrong tank mates can lead to stress, aggression, or even the death of the fish. If you're wondering what fish can go with angelfish, it's equally important to know which fish should be avoided. In this article, we’ll discuss the worst tank mates for angelfish and why they should not be kept together.

1. Aggressive Cichlids

Angelfish belong to the cichlid family, but not all cichlids make good tank mates. Many cichlids are aggressive, territorial, and will harass or even attack angelfish. Some of the most notorious ones include:

• Oscars – Oscars grow much larger than angelfish and can view them as food.

• Convict Cichlids – Highly territorial and aggressive, they will relentlessly attack angelfish.

• Green Terror Cichlids – As their name suggests, these fish are aggressive and will dominate the tank.

• Jack Dempsey Cichlids – These fish are extremely territorial and will see angelfish as intruders.

These species can stress angelfish to the point of illness or even cause physical harm.

2. Fin-Nipping Fish

Angelfish have long, flowing fins that make them a target for fin-nipping fish. If housed with the wrong species, angelfish may end up with shredded fins, leading to infections and stress. The worst offenders include:

• Tiger Barbs – Known for their aggressive fin-nipping behavior, tiger barbs will constantly harass angelfish.

• Serpae Tetras – These tetras are beautiful but have a bad reputation for nipping the fins of slower-moving fish.

• Red-Tailed Sharks – While they may not always be aggressive, they tend to chase and nip at angelfish.

• Bala Sharks – Their active swimming behavior and occasional fin-nipping make them poor tank mates.

If you are considering adding schooling fish, make sure to choose peaceful species that won’t harass your angelfish.

3. Small, Delicate Fish

Although angelfish are peaceful compared to some cichlids, they are still predatory and will eat small fish that fit in their mouths. Some of the worst small fish to keep with angelfish include:

• Neon Tetras – While some aquarists successfully keep neon tetras with angelfish, there is always a risk that angelfish will see them as food.

• Guppies – Their small size and bright colors can make them a target for angelfish.

• Endler’s Livebearers – These fish are tiny and easily bullied or eaten.

• Chili Rasboras – Too small and delicate to be safe around angelfish.

If you want to add small schooling fish, opt for species that are a bit larger, like black skirt tetras or rummy nose tetras.

4. Fast, Hyperactive Fish

Angelfish prefer a calm environment and can become stressed if housed with overly active fish that dart around the tank. These fish include:

• Danios (Zebra Danios, Giant Danios) – These fish are incredibly fast and may stress out angelfish.

• Rainbowfish – Though peaceful, their rapid movement can make angelfish feel uneasy.

• Silver Dollars – These fish are active swimmers and can outcompete angelfish for food.

To maintain a peaceful tank, select fish that have a similar swimming style and energy level as angelfish.

5. Bottom-Dwelling Predators

While many bottom-dwellers make excellent tank mates, some large and aggressive species should be avoided, including:

• Large Catfish (Redtail Catfish, Pictus Catfish) – These predatory fish grow large and may eat angelfish.

• Chinese Algae Eaters – They can become aggressive as they mature and might latch onto angelfish to suck their slime coat.

• Clown Loaches – While not outright aggressive, they can be overly active and stress out angelfish.

If you’re looking for bottom dwellers, consider peaceful species like Corydoras catfish or Bristlenose Plecos.

6. Extremely Territorial Fish

Some species become highly territorial and will not tolerate angelfish in their space. These fish include:

• Bettas (Male Betta Fish) – Both angelfish and bettas can be territorial, leading to potential conflicts.

• Dwarf Gouramis – They can be aggressive toward angelfish, especially in smaller tanks.

• Arowanas – These large, predatory fish are unsuitable tank mates for angelfish.

Instead of territorial fish, opt for community-friendly species like peaceful gouramis or larger tetras.

What Fish Can Go With Angelfish?

Now that you know which fish to avoid, you might be wondering what fish can go with angelfish. Some excellent tank mates include:

• Corydoras Catfish – Peaceful bottom dwellers that help keep the tank clean.

• Bristlenose Plecos – Great for algae control and non-aggressive.

• Rummy Nose Tetras – Schooling fish that coexist well with angelfish.

• Black Skirt Tetras – Slightly larger tetras that won’t be eaten.

• Bolivian Rams – Small cichlids with a calm temperament.

• Dwarf Gouramis (with caution) – They can coexist in larger tanks with proper space.

By selecting the right fish, you can create a harmonious aquarium where your angelfish thrive without stress or aggression.

Conclusion

When setting up a tank for angelfish, it’s crucial to choose compatible tank mates to ensure a peaceful and healthy environment. Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, hyperactive swimmers, and territorial fish. Instead, opt for peaceful community fish that share similar water requirements and temperament. If you’re ever in doubt about what fish can go with angelfish, research thoroughly before adding any new species to your aquarium. By making careful choices, you can create a balanced ecosystem where all your fish can live happily together.