Angelfish are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and fascinating social behavior. However, keeping multiple angelfish in one tank requires careful planning to avoid common mistakes that can lead to stress, aggression, or even health problems. One of the most frequent concerns among fish keepers is How many angelfish should be kept together Getting this number right is crucial to maintaining a balanced and harmonious environment. In this article, we will discuss some of the common mistakes aquarists make when housing multiple angelfish and how to prevent them.

1. Overstocking or Understocking the Tank

One of the most common mistakes is improper stocking. Keeping too few angelfish can result in one dominant fish bullying the weaker ones, while overcrowding can lead to territorial disputes and stress.

• Too Few Angelfish: If you only keep one or two angelfish, especially in a tank with other species, one may become dominant and continuously bully the other.

• Too Many Angelfish: Overstocking the tank can lead to increased aggression, stress, and poor water quality.

How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together?

• A single angelfish can live alone in a community tank but may not display its natural social behavior.

• A bonded pair of angelfish requires at least 30 gallons of space.

• A small group (4-6 angelfish) needs at least 55 gallons to prevent excessive aggression.

• Larger groups (6+ angelfish) require a 75-gallon tank or more for ample swimming space and territory.

2. Choosing the Wrong Tank Size

Tank size plays a significant role in maintaining a stress-free environment for multiple angelfish. Many fishkeepers make the mistake of housing angelfish in tanks that are too small, leading to aggression, territorial fights, and stunted growth.

Recommended Tank Sizes:

• 30 gallons for a pair of angelfish.

• 55 gallons for a small group of 4-6 angelfish.

• 75 gallons or more for larger groups to establish territories peacefully.

A larger tank not only allows each angelfish to have its own space but also helps in reducing aggression among them.

3. Ignoring Aggressive Behavior

Angelfish have a social hierarchy, and sometimes this can lead to aggression. Some fishkeepers ignore early signs of bullying, assuming it will resolve itself. However, constant aggression can cause injuries or even lead to the death of weaker fish.

Signs of Aggression:

• Chasing or fin-nipping.

• Blocking access to food.

• A weaker fish hiding constantly.

Solutions:

• Rearrange decorations to disrupt established territories.

• Add more angelfish to distribute aggression.

• Monitor aggressive fish and separate them if needed.

4. Selecting Incompatible Tank Mates

Another common mistake is adding fish species that are either too aggressive or too small, leading to either fights or predation.

Incompatible Tank Mates:

• Fin-nipping fish like Tiger Barbs or Serpae Tetras.

• Aggressive cichlids like Oscars or Convicts.

• Very small fish like Neon Tetras that may become prey.

Best Tank Mates for Angelfish:

• Peaceful Tetras like Rummy Nose or Cardinal Tetras.

• Corydoras Catfish that stay at the bottom.

• Bristlenose Plecos that help clean the tank.

• Dwarf Gouramis that are non-aggressive.

5. Poor Water Quality and Filtration

Water quality is a major factor in keeping multiple angelfish healthy. Many fishkeepers neglect regular maintenance, leading to poor water conditions that can stress or kill their angelfish.

Tips for Maintaining Water Quality:

• Use a canister or hang-on-back filter for efficient filtration.

• Perform weekly water changes (25-30%) to remove toxins.

• Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm.

• Maintain a pH of 6.5-7.5.

• Ensure good aeration and circulation to provide sufficient oxygen.

6. Overfeeding or Underfeeding

Feeding mistakes can cause health issues and aggression among angelfish.

Common Feeding Mistakes:

• Overfeeding – Leads to water pollution and obesity.

• Underfeeding – Can cause competition and aggression.

• Lack of variety – Results in malnutrition and weaker immune systems.

Best Feeding Practices:

• Offer a mix of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms).

• Feed small portions 2-3 times daily instead of one large meal.

• Ensure all fish have access to food by spreading it across different areas of the tank.

7. Lack of Hiding Spaces and Decorations

A tank without adequate hiding spots increases stress and aggression among angelfish.

Ideal Tank Setup:

• Use driftwood, caves, and plants for hiding spaces.

• Add live or artificial plants like Amazon Swords and Anubias.

• Arrange decorations to break sightlines, preventing direct confrontations.

8. Introducing New Angelfish Incorrectly

When adding new angelfish to an established tank, existing fish may see them as intruders, leading to immediate fights.

Best Practices for Introducing New Angelfish:

• Introduce multiple angelfish at the same time to prevent dominance issues.

• If adding to an existing tank, rearrange decorations before introduction.

• Use a temporary divider to help new fish adjust before full introduction.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure a peaceful and healthy environment for your angelfish. A major part of success in keeping multiple angelfish is understanding "How many angelfish should be kept together?" Getting this number right, along with maintaining proper tank conditions, choosing compatible tank mates, and monitoring aggression, will lead to a thriving angelfish community. With careful planning, keeping multiple angelfish can be a rewarding experience, offering both beauty and enjoyment in your aquarium.