Compatible with Angelfish?

[gaines]

The wife and I were at petsmart the other day on a mission to find fish for her aquarium. I had shown her some pictures of angelfish and she liked them, so we asked the employee what other species would get along with angelfish. Her and her associate replied that any of the fish labeled as "Tropical Semi-agressive" would be just fine.

I might have believed her except for the fact that nearly every fish they sell is labeled this way and that includes tiger barbs which I know have nipped a few of my fish to death in the past. I draw from this the conclusion that they have no clue what they're talking about.

This brings me to my question for the more knowledgable forum members. What kind of fish get along best with Angelfish. We're looking for color and would love to get a few larger fish (the tank is a 55 long).

 

[Star_Rider]

are you asking what larger fish get along with angels?

angels can get pretty big and are usually considered a center piece fish.

I wouldn't base it on what the LFS call semi aggressive..you are correct about the barbs.

generally you can place a few dither fish with angels hatchets or larger tetras.. also consider BN catfish(bristle nose) I would not recommend oto's as they are small and angels have been known to try and eat them..

they get along with Rams, Keyholes, discus(in my experience)
if you get rams many go with Bolivians(a bit hardier) if you have a relaibel source you can go for the blue Rams.

you could go with 2,3 or 4 angels in the 55 or 2-3 with a small school of dithers and a pair of rams..and a BN.

 

[Dangerdoll]

the problem with the Angels in a 55 is when they get mature enough to start selecting the breeding, there will be fights among them... if you do happen to get 3-5 Angels, be prepared to separate them as they mature or they will fight until one is battered enough to be killed.

 

[Star_Rider]

absolutely correct Dangerdoll.
unless you get lucky and there are no pairs that form up (good luck)

but it's a great excuse to get another tank :idea:

 

[bunlet]

http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/bunlet/?action=view&current=june2006aqtank.flv

This is my tank I have to add slate or driftwood. It's really messy and I have brush algae and diatoms. But its a 55 gallon with 4 angels, 6 zebra danios, 4 mollies, 2 australian rainbows, 3 weird fancy finned tetras, rock shrimp, 2 clown loaches, 2 mystery snails. The angels are still small and not killing anyone plus I'm overstocked.

I love the clown loaches they are weird and quirky I'd definitely get maybe 3 or 4 of those.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/bunlet/goldy.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/bunlet/biggy.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/bunlet/tetra3.jpg Can anyone id this fish for me?

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/bunlet/brownalgae.jpg This is a clown loach was taking a pic of the brown algae and he popped out of nowhere.

 

[beatle]

I keep gouramis with my angel. Rarely do I see any squabbles. They're cichlids after all.

 

[DaisyTattoo]

Bunlet, that tetra looks like a blackskirt with long fins. I think that is what it is, but I forget what they are called. Your angels are getting along b/c they are not mature yet. You will probably have problems if they mature and pair up. I started with 5 juvies in my 55g but due to disappearances I only have 3 left. Mine look exactly like that black one in your video. Beautiful.

Sorry gaines...your thread the least I can do is answer your question. Look at my sig. Everyone is getting along great so far. The only one I am worried about will be the betta when the angels mature to full size. Then they might decide to start chomping on him. In that case he will be moved. So far so good. You could go with some blackskirt tetras if you want a larger fish. I would steer clear of barbs. Most tetras do pretty good with angels. Don't get neons however bc they will become snackies for the angels when they are big enough to eat them.