Multiple Angelfish Question

I have 3 big Angels in my 55gal community. I picked out 2 that were swimmin side by side in the tank. These turned out to be a pair. My mistake was buyin the 3rd. Although they tolerate the 3rd I feel that hes not too happy in there. He sometimes gets driven away by the pair. He has a space of about a 3rd of the tank where they dont bug him. They spawned a couple of weeks ago. The 2 males went at it big time. No chasin away this time . They locked lips alot and charged at each other. When the eggs were laid the pair drove every other fish away but didnt kill anyone. I guess when they are small theyll tolerate each other but ehen then get breeding size the behaviour changes. They will also eat anything that will fit in their mouths. Ive had 3 small neons mysteriously disappear. Hope this helps.

Yes, I've seen it done, my buddy has a 55 gallon with 2 breeding pairs in it and he hasn't had any problems. He has a few bottom feeders in there as well but says the aggression only gets real bad when he had other fish in there with them. So I guess if he can keep 2 breeding pairs in a 55 gallon you should be able to keep more fish in a bigger tank. I'm sure someone with personal experience will help you out more.

If a pair forms move the pair to a breeding tank.

more is merrier but angels get large and your 60 will max out at 5-6 angels.

the more is merrier works when you look at a large tank(150+G) with 12-15 Angels. they exhibit schooling behaviors but the large tank allows pairs to find a place to breed. the key is plants and other structure .

while it is possible to keep 2 breeding pairs in a 55(i have one) there is aggression as they battle for the prime turf.


I have been raising angels for a number of years and was breeding them for a time.
you can try it but be prepared to deal with aggression.

Sure, you'll be fine with 6. I have 8 in a 90 gallon, and 15 in a 125. When they first start breeding you will see some agression- but nothing really violent, and only really when they are spawning and trying to protect the eggs. Usually the eggs don''t last long in a tank with other fish. Also, usually they mellow out as they get older.

All depends on the fish, no one can predict, but as stated you can have aggresion.

Oh- I almost forgot- it helps to have some big decorations in the tank (or some nice large live plants- which I recommend highly) to break up the sight lines- You dont want them to be able to see clear across the tank- if the breeding pair can't see the other fish from their breeding spot they won't be so agressive, but if they can see clear across the tank, you are asking for trouble.