How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together?

If you’re thinking about adding angelfish to your aquarium, you might wonder, “How many angelfish should be kept together?” Angelfish are beautiful, graceful fish that can make your tank look amazing, but they need the right environment to stay happy and healthy. Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can understand how to care for them properly.

Best Number of Angelfish to Keep Together?

Angelfish are social creatures, but they can also be a little feisty. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Single Angelfish: Keeping just one angelfish isn’t a great idea. They can get lonely and stressed without friends.
2. Pair of Angelfish: Two angelfish can live together in a smaller tank (around 20-30 gallons). They might even form a bond and become a breeding pair!
3. Group of Angelfish: If you have a bigger tank (55 gallons or more), you can keep a group of 5-6 angelfish. This helps spread out any aggression and makes them feel more comfortable.

For most people, a group of 5-6 in a large tank works best.

How Big Should the Tank Be?

Plenty of space is required for the Angelfish to swim and explore. Here’s a quick guide:

• For a pair of angelfish, you’ll need at least a 20-30 gallon tank.
• For a group of 5-6 angelfish, you’ll need a much bigger tank—55 gallons or more.

Also, angelfish have tall, triangular bodies, so they need a tank that’s taller rather than wider. This gives them enough room to swim up and down comfortably.

Why Do Angelfish Need Friends?

In the wild, angelfish live in groups, so they’re used to having company. When you keep them in groups, they feel safer and less stressed. However, angelfish can sometimes be bossy and territorial, especially during breeding. That’s why keeping a group of 5-6 angelfish is a good idea—it helps spread out any aggression so no single fish gets picked on too much.

What Happens If There Are Too Many Angelfish?

If your tank is too small or overcrowded, your angelfish might start showing signs of stress. Here’s what to look out for:

• Behavioral signs: They might chase each other, hide a lot, or stop eating.
• Physical signs: You might notice torn fins, injuries, or their colors looking dull.

If you see these signs, it’s time to check if your tank is big enough or if you have too many fish. Adding more plants or decorations can also help by giving them places to hide and relax.

Tips for Keeping Angelfish Happy

1. Keep the water clean: Angelfish need clean water with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature of 78-84°F.
2. Add plants and decorations: These give your angelfish places to hide and explore.
3. Choose the right tank mates: Avoid small fish that angelfish might see as food, and avoid aggressive fish that might bully them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I keep just one angelfish?
   It’s not recommended because they can get lonely.
2. How many angelfish can live in a 55-gallon tank?
   You can keep 5-6 angelfish in a 55-gallon tank.
3. Do angelfish need to be kept in pairs?
   They don’t have to be in pairs, but they do better in groups.
4. What fish can live with angelfish?
   Peaceful, medium-sized fish like tetras or corydoras are good choices.

Conclusion

So, how many angelfish should be kept together? The answer is simple: a group of 5-6 angelfish in a tank that’s 55 gallons or larger is ideal. This gives them enough space to swim, reduces aggression, and keeps them happy. Remember, a happy angelfish is a healthy angelfish!

If you’re ready to create a beautiful angelfish community, start with the right tank size and group size. Your angelfish will thank you!