Angelfish: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A tall, striking cichlid that needs a tank of 29 gallons or larger, and taller is better.
- Minimum tank
- 29 gallons
- Temperature
- 76–82°F
- Group size
- One or more
- Adult size
- 6 inMiddle of the tank
- Adults eat fish small enough to fit in their mouths, including neon tetras.
- Its body is taller than it is long, so tank height matters as much as volume.
Pterophyllum scalare. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many angelfish per tank size
The most you could keep if angelfish were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Angelfish, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 20 gallon | Too small (needs 29+ gal) | |
| 29 gallon | Up to 2 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 4 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 5 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 7 | Plan this tank |
What you need for a angelfish in a 29-gallon tank
A starting setup: 1 angelfish in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
29-gallon tank
- These fit a 29-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 79°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Angelfish tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with angelfish, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: neon tetra, ember tetra, black skirt tetra, endler's livebearer, white cloud minnow, chili rasbora, tiger barb, pygmy corydoras, fancy goldfish, cherry shrimp, amano shrimp. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around angelfish
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderAngelfish questions
What size tank does a angelfish need?
At least 29 gallons. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many angelfish can I keep in a 29-gallon tank?
Up to about 2 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do angelfish need a heater?
Usually yes. Angelfish does best at 76–82°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 29-gallon tank needs about 150 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with angelfish?
Good matches include bettas, cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras, guppies, platies, mollies. They share a temperature range and temperament with angelfish.