Marble Angel

Angelfish – Care Guide & Aquarium Companions

Angelfish are elegant and popular freshwater cichlids known for their tall body shape, long flowing fins and graceful swimming style. They make excellent centrepiece fish and are available in many beautiful varieties and colour patterns.

Popular varieties include Silver Angelfish, Koi Angelfish, Black Angelfish, Marble Angelfish, Platinum Angelfish, Altum Angelfish and many more.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size:
A minimum of around 100–120 litres is recommended for a small group of young Angelfish. Adult pairs and groups benefit from larger, taller aquariums.

Water Temperature:
Generally 25°C – 29°C.

pH Range:
Approximately 6.0 – 7.5.

Aquarium Setup

Angelfish prefer tall aquariums with calm swimming areas and plenty of cover.

A suitable setup should include:

• Tall live plants

• Driftwood

• Rocks

• Open swimming space

• Gentle to moderate filtration

• Clean and stable water

• Plenty of vertical space

Avoid very strong water flow, as Angelfish prefer calmer conditions.

Feeding

Angelfish are omnivorous and should be provided with a varied, protein-rich diet.

Suitable foods include:

• High-quality cichlid pellets

• Flakes

• Brine shrimp

• Bloodworms

• Daphnia

• Frozen foods

• Live foods

• Insect-based foods

A varied diet helps maintain healthy growth, strong colour and breeding condition.

Behaviour & Temperament

Angelfish are generally peaceful to semi-aggressive.

Young Angelfish can often be kept in groups, but as they mature and form pairs they may become territorial.

Breeding pairs may strongly defend their chosen area, especially around eggs and fry.

Providing enough aquarium space, plants and visual barriers can help reduce aggression.

Suitable Tank Companions

Angelfish can usually be kept with:

Medium-sized Tetras • Rasboras • Corydoras • Rams • Gouramis • Plecos • Peaceful Loaches • Rainbowfish and other calm community fish

Very small fish such as tiny Tetras may be eaten by adult Angelfish if they fit into their mouth.

Avoid aggressive fin-nipping species that may damage their long fins.

Breeding

Angelfish are substrate-spawning cichlids.

A bonded pair may lay eggs on:

• Broad plant leaves

• Flat rocks

• Slate

• Aquarium glass

• Filter surfaces

Both parents may guard and fan the eggs and later protect the fry.

During breeding, Angelfish can become significantly more territorial.

Adult Size

Angelfish can reach around 15 cm in body length, while their tall fins can make their total height considerably greater.

Because of their body shape, aquarium height is just as important as overall volume.

Important Note

Different Angelfish varieties and species can have slightly different care requirements.

Altum Angelfish, for example, generally require more specialised conditions than common domestic Angelfish.

Always avoid sudden changes in water parameters and maintain good filtration with regular water changes.

With clean water, enough vertical swimming space, suitable companions and a balanced diet, Angelfish can become one of the most elegant and impressive centrepiece fish in a freshwater aquarium.