Angelfish stocking question

angelfish123

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Feb 24, 2006
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I have a large pearlscale angelfish, i was told its a new breed, personally i don't care its a BEAUTIFUL fish. Anyway, everybody knows that tank stocking rule they tell you at the pet store:An inch of fish for every gallon of water in your tank, or something of that nature, blah blah blah. Now the angel's body is only about 3-4 inches in circumfrence but the fins are another story. This guy's tail fins have got to be at LEAST 4-5 inches long, flowing behind him.That works out to about 8-9 inches of fish. Does anyone know if extremly long fins count as added fish length to the tank. I have a 55 gallon tank and if it is just body length that counts, then it would open up space for a couple tetras i've been looking at. thanks
 
Many people would say that a grown angel fish should have 20+ gallons each. In a 55gal you could add other fish, but make sure you don't get any fin nippers.

Plus the inch per gallon rule has way too many exceptions to be really useful. It's better to look at species by species tank requirements. Tank shape (not just volume) also matters.
 
Be sure the tetra's you've had your eye on aren't neons or you may just be getting your beautiful pearlscale and delightful snack. In the wild and by instinct, the neons are the Angels prey and though it may work for a little while, eventually, you will start to see the neons numbers dwindling.
 
Dangerdoll is right...

Watch out! Little tetras will definately be a nice meal for your angels. I had guppies (bigger tha most neons at the store) and a few of them were gone within 24hrs from my angel taking a snack at them! Try tetras that are a little bigger.
 
I would not keep more then 6 angels in a 55gal. 4 adults would be at max.

There are many tetras that an angel cannot eat (the round ones). Head and tail lights, Bleeding hearts, Diamond, Pristellas, Black-skirts, ect.

I would just go with maybe 4-5 young angels and maybe 8+ tetras. Just my opinion.
 
The inch per gallon rule is mainly a guideline good for small fish. Angels need a lot more room. I have 4 angels in a 29 and they need more room. I actually think just the one breeding pair would be about right. Keep in mind, the more space the happier the fish you will have. Fish in the wild have so much space. The least you can do is give them a little.
 
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