Freshwater Angelfish

A graceful cichlid known for tall fins and calm presence. Best in a taller, well-planted aquarium with stable water and compatible tank mates.

tankSize
120L (30 gal) minimum for a pair
careLevel
Intermediate
temperature
24 to 28C
temperament
Semi-aggressive
diet
Quality pellets plus frozen foods and occasional live foods
lifespan
8 to 12 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (with compatible tank mates)
weeklyMaintenance
Water changes, plant trimming, and filter maintenance

Best for

  • Owners who want a centerpiece fish with personality
  • Planted tanks with vertical swimming space
  • People comfortable monitoring water quality
  • Community tanks without fin-nippers

Not ideal for

  • Very small tanks or short tanks
  • Tanks with aggressive cichlids or fin-nippers
  • Owners who cannot keep parameters stable
  • Setups without enough cover or plants

Temperament

  • Generally calm but can be territorial when breeding
  • May eat very small fish or shrimp
  • Does best with peaceful, mid-sized companions

Daily routine

feeding: Feed once or twice daily with varied, high-quality foods.
check: Observe fins, appetite, and signs of bullying or stress.
enrichment: Provide plants, driftwood, and gentle flow for comfort.

Living fit

smallHome: Works if you can provide a tall tank and steady maintenance.
kids: Great for observation, but needs consistent care.
firstTimeOwner: Better after basic aquarium experience.

Health notes

  • Stable temperature and clean water help prevent common infections.
  • Avoid sharp décor that can tear long fins.
  • Quarantine new fish to reduce disease introduction.

Cost and time

time: Moderate weekly maintenance; low daily time.
cost: Moderate setup cost due to larger tank and filtration needs.

Find the best fish for your lifestyle

Prefer a guided recommendation instead of browsing?

Find the best fish for me