Quite a crowd-pleaser, Angelfish are freshwater fish that are renowned for their sizable bodies and variation in color. Their personalities are also quite something else and make for an excellent addition to any aquarium.
Neon Tetras, on the other hand, are quite small in size with a remarkably lustrous blue body and vivid red colored tail.
In this article, we will be discussing whether Angelfish and Neon Tetras may be paired together in an aquarium. We will specifically be reviewing their temperaments, habitat and tank requirements, diets, and exactly how to make this living arrangement work.
Can Angelfish And Neon Tetras Live Together?
So if you’re wondering whether angelfish and neon tetras can live together then here’s the answer.
As long as the conditions for both fish are met, then they should get along peacefully. Some of the most important things to watch out for are making sure the tank is big enough for both of them, and giving them places to hide!
Fish Temperament
For a tranquil environment in your aquarium, compatibility is key. Different fish temperaments can dictate whether your aquarium is harmonious or unruly.
Aggressiveness in some fish can increase stress in other fish with more docile temperaments. Increased stress can also result in wounded fish, disease, and loss of fish.
While it is crucial to house compatible fish together, fish are unpredictable at times. Monitoring fish for aggressive behavior is important even though they may be classified as compatible.
Angelfish Temperament
Angelfish are capable of being territorial even though they are known to be placid. Aggression and territorial behavior are lulled when Angelfish are raised together in groups of six, and the tank you’re keeping them in is big enough.
Biting at fins and harassment of other fish species is prevalent in Angelfish as well. Other fish species such as Bettas and guppies who boast lengthy, free-flowing fins are commonly harassed by Angelfish.
Angelfish sometimes also exhibit predatory behavior, hounding and demolishing smaller fish like Neon Tetras. Not to worry, though, as later we will look at exactly how they can peacefully co-exist.
Neon Tetras Temperament
Neon Tetras are mellow schooling fish recommended to be kept together in schools of about six or more.
Neon Tetras are perfect for additions to community tanks due to their exceptionally peaceful nature. They should, however, not be housed together with other larger or domineering fish species as they are exceptionally submissive and maybe attacked and worn down.
If you plan on keeping neon tetras in your tank, you’ll often see them swimming together in the middle where they feel safest. If you notice that they’re hiding in plants or ornaments, it may mean they don’t feel comfortable in your tank.
Continued Reading:
Habitats and Tank Requirements
Natural habitats should always be simulated in a fish tank in order for fish to thrive and lead healthy as well as happy lives.
Angelfish Habitat
Angelfish live across a large area in the South American tropics and in the Amazon River system is where Angelfish originate.
Exclusively found in serene, peaceful, and slow-moving waters and areas where light is faint, angelfish dwell beneath looming plant life or amidst trees that fall into the water. The setting allows them to prey on other fish and hides from potential predators.
Angelfish Tank Requirements
Full-grown Angelfish require large aquariums measuring at 55 gallons as they grow up to be substantially large. The aquarium should allow sufficient room for their tall bodies.
Aggressiveness in Angelfish will be lulled if an incredibly large tank is provided for them to roam around in. The large space will minimize stress, and combative behavior is also reduced.
Gentle water flow should be mimicked while broadleaf plants and driftwood should be included in the tank as décor. Décor should be placed vertically in the tank to replicate trees and branches which have fallen down as in the wild. Areas of shade and covering should be provided in the form of some floating plants.
Angelfish enjoy foraging for food along the bottom, and therefore smooth-surfaced, medium grade gravel can be placed in the tank as substrate along. Provide light for 8 – 10 hours with an aquarium light that simulates the sun.
Angelfish require the following water conditions:
- Water temperature should be maintained at between 78°F to 84°F.
- pH levels should be maintained at between 6.5 and above 7.1. (Here’s everything you need to know about angelfish pH levels.)
- The hardness of the water should be maintained between 3° and 8° dKH and 3° and 15° dGH.
Find out about whether you can keep guppies and angelfish together.)
Neon Tetras Habitat
Like Angelfish, Neon Tetras also originate from pleasantly warm waters of South America, including the Amazon Basin. With rivers generally flowing through dense, thick forests and shutting out natural daylight, huge amounts of fallen leaves, tree roots and vegetation can be found amongst these dark waters with pebbles and small rocks as the riverbed.
Neon Tetras Tank Requirements
The aquarium should be densely covered with plant life such as driftwood to offer shade and murkiness. You can use small, dark rocks and pebbles to simulate a riverbed.
The size of your tank depends entirely on the number of neon tetras you intend to keep. For a school of a minimum of 6 fish, you require a tank of least 10 gallons.
Neon Tetras require the following water conditions:
- Water temperature should be maintained between 72°F to 78°F.
- pH levels should be maintained between 6.8 and 7.8. (Everything you need to know about the ideal pH for neon tetras.)
- Maintain soft water at below 10 dGH and ranging between 3° and 8° dKH.
Diet
Diet is important to ensure that fish are not stressed due to not receiving adequate sustenance from their food. Stressed fish may start to nip at other fish’s fins, and this is an unhealthy habit to form as it results in injury and infection.
Angelfish Diet
Angelfish are omnivorous and in the wild will spend a lot of time searching for crustaceans and worms. In captivity, you should feed them tropical flakes, as well as live food like daphnia and mosquito larvae, and blanched vegetables as well.
However, feeding frozen and live foods to your angelfish may incite spawning. Additionally, they should be fed what they are able to finish in 2 – 3 minutes at least twice a day for a well-balanced diet.
Neon Tetras Diet
Omnivorous Neon Tetras in the wild feed on both meat and vegetable or plant-based matter. They can be found feeding on algae, insect larvae as well as other minuscule invertebrates.
Neon Tetras are not finicky eaters, so you can provide them food in the form of flakes, pellets, live and frozen food to make sure that they are fed a well-balanced diet.
However, their core diet should consist of high quality fish flakes. To enhance the diet, you can give them live or frozen foods such as blood worm, brine shrimp, Daphnia, or Tubifex. Additionally, you may also use guides to prepare your own fish food if you would like to increase their vegetable intake.
Only very small pieces of food should be fed to Neon Tetras as they may have issues with swallowing anything that’s too big for them. Young adult Neon Tetras should be fed twice a day while more matured Neons may be fed once a day. They should be precisely fed as much as they can eat in about 3 minutes.
(Check out whether angelfish and mollies make good tank mates too!)
How to Make It Work?
Angelfish are generally calm and non-aggressive fish, in the right conditions, although they are inclined to hunt and devour smaller fish, which stems from their opportunistic tendencies. If you want to house both Angelfish and Neon Tetras, then you need to make sure you’re keeping neon tetras that are big enough
As both Angelfish and Neon Tetras hail from the same habitats, it will be easier to cater to the tank requirements of both types of fish.
How To Make The Ideal Aquarium For Angelfish And Neon Tetras?
Creating the ideal aquarium for both Angelfish and Neon Tetras involves taking into account the specific needs of both species. Here are some of the points you may consider.
The checklist below provides you with some of the basics:
- Maintain water temperature at 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep the pH levels at 6.5–7.5.
- Maintain soft water between 3° and 8° dKH and 3° and 10° dGH.
- Smooth-surfaced, soft, medium grade gravel can be placed in the tank as substrate for allowing Angelfish to dig.
- Provide light for about 8 – 10 hours per day with a typical aquarium light.
- Low levels of lighting are required for Neon Tetras, so provide floating broadleaf plants and driftwood for them to hide in.
- Use a large tank of 55 gallons or more.
- Use high quality fish flakes for both species and enhance the diet with living and frozen foods.
- Tank Size and Layout
Choosing the right tank size is essential for creating an ideal environment for both species. A minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended for Angelfish and Neon Tetras. A larger tank will provide more space for both species to swim and thrive. The tank should also have plenty of hiding places, such as plants, rocks, or driftwood.
- Water Parameters
Angelfish and Neon Tetras require different water parameters, so it’s important to find a balance that works for both. Neon Tetras prefer soft and acidic water, with a pH range of 6.0-7.0 and a temperature range of 75-80°F. Angelfish prefer a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature range of 78-82°F. Regular water testing and maintenance are necessary to maintain optimal water conditions for both species.
- Tank Mates
Choosing compatible tank mates is crucial for creating a peaceful community aquarium. Angelfish and Neon Tetras are generally compatible with other peaceful fish species that are similar in size and temperament. Avoid keeping aggressive fish or fish that are too small and can fit in an Angelfish’s mouth.
- Feeding
A varied diet is vital for both Angelfish and Neon Tetras. Feed a mix of high-quality flakes or pellets, as well as live or frozen food. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to poor water quality and health issues.
- Lighting and Decorations
Angelfish and Neon Tetras prefer dim lighting, so choose lighting that is not too bright. The aquarium should also be decorated with plenty of plants, rocks, and other decorations to provide hiding places and create a natural-looking environment.
In short
As long as you are making sure that there is enough food to go around for both Angelfish and Neon Tetras and monitoring them for any aggressive behavior, the living arrangement should work out excellently.
Emphasis should be placed on providing an incredibly large tank so both species of fish can swim around freely without a care and without inducing any stress. Anything smaller will compromise their health and wellbeing and lead to more aggressiveness.
Will Angelfish Eat Neon Tetras?
Most new aquarists make the mistake of putting fish that don’t get along in the same tank. For example, putting a predator fish like an angelfish in a fish tank with prey fish like neon tetras. Even if the fish you put in the tank are known to be peaceful, that doesn’t mean they won’t try to eat the other fish.
Angelfish are omnivores, so they can eat other live fish like neon tetras. Angelfish can eat tetras because they are small and can easily fit in their mouths. The fact that tetras swim in groups also makes it easier for angelfish to catch them.
How To Prevent Angelfish From Eating Neon Tetras?
There are several steps you can take to prevent Angelfish from eating Neon Tetras. Let’s go over some of them.
- Tank Size and Layout
The first step in preventing Angelfish from eating Neon Tetras is to ensure that your tank is large enough to accommodate both species comfortably. A larger tank will allow for more hiding places and decrease the likelihood of aggression toward the smaller fish.
- Hiding Places
Neon Tetras are known to be shoaling fish that thrive in groups. Providing adequate hiding places such as plants, rocks, or driftwood will make Neon Tetras feel more secure and less likely to be targeted by Angelfish.
- Feeding
Proper feeding can help reduce the likelihood of Angelfish preying on Neon Tetras. Feed Angelfish a varied diet that includes pellets, flakes, and live or frozen food. This will decrease the Angelfish’s interest in Neon Tetras as a food source.
- Observation
Observing the behavior of your fish regularly will help you notice any aggressive behavior towards the Neon Tetras. If any aggression is noticed, remove the aggressive fish and provide additional hiding places for the Neon Tetras.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about keeping tetras and angelfish together!
Can Angelfish And Cardinal Tetras Live Together?
Angelfish and cardinal tetras can live in almost the same kind of water. Both are friendly and social, so you might think it would be fine to put them in the same fish tank. However, there are a lot of other reasons why it’s not a good idea to put them all in the same fish tank.
If you planned on keeping angelfish and cardinal tetras together, it’s important to remember angelfish may eat your cardinal tetras at some point. Even more so if your angelfish is grown up and much bigger, and your cardinal tetras can fit in its mouth.
One more reason is that your angelfish will play with your cardinal tetras by nibbling on their fins, which will stress out your tetras.
Even though this is true, you can still put cardinal tetras and angelfish in the same fish tank as long as they are the same size. Because angelfish are territorial and claim their territory as their own, it’s important to give them both a lot of places to hide like rocks, plants, or driftwood. You can also feed them at different times, because the angelfish won’t like it if the cardinal tetras eat before them.
Will Angel Fish Eat Cardinal Tetras?
Yes, it’s possible for angelfish to eat cardinal tetras, especially if the cardinal tetras are very small or if the angelfish are particularly aggressive. If you want to keep these two together, ensure that the cardinal tetras are big enough and that the angelfish are well-fed and not aggressive.
Can Angelfish And Glofish tetras Live Together?
Just like other tetras, glofish tetras and angelfish prefer the same water conditions. Both are usually not aggressive and are known to be peaceful fish. So it would seem like a good idea to put them both in your aquarium.
Glofish tetras are known to nip other fish’s fins, especially the long, flowing fins of angelfish. Also, angelfish have been known to eat tetras if they get the chance.
Also, keep in mind that glofish tetras are pretty active and angelfish are calm but territorial, so they might fight more often when put in a small fish tank.
Angelfish can also get quite big, and glofish tetras need to live with at least six other glofish tetras. So, you will need a bigger fish tank to keep the water in your aquarium stable, and both fish happy. It can be hard and challenging to keep them all together in a fish tank, but it’s not impossible.
Can Red Eye Tetras And Angelfish Live Together?
Red-eyed tetras are known to be very calm and peaceful fish that can live in both hard alkaline water and soft acidic water. They are bigger than most tetras, so your angelfish won’t be able to eat them. This makes them a great tankmate for your angelfish and a great addition to your community tank.
Even though they are calm and peaceful fish, red eye tetras are known to nip the long fins of other fish, especially fins similar to an angelfish. So you may need to think twice before adding these two together.
Red eye tetras can also be very active swimmers swirling around your fish tank which can disturb your angelfish. Also, other tetras may sometimes pick on them, so check on them often if you keep other species of tetras in the tank.
If you want to keep red-eyed tetras and angelfish together, you need at least a 20-gallon fish tank. This is because angelfish can get pretty big, and red-eyed tetras are also one of the biggest tetras. Putting them in a bigger tank will not only help keep the water stable, but it will also give your red-eyed tetras more room to swim around without bothering your angelfish.
Can Black Neon Tetras And Angelfish Live Together?
Black neon tetras are similar to neon tetras, but they have a black-and-white iridescent stripe that goes from their gills to their tail. They also live in a wide range of water conditions. They are also active swimmers, so you may sometimes see them darting around your fish tank.
Even though black neon tetras are a bigger than neon tetras, an angelfish can still eat them. If you want to put them together, put the black neon tetras in first, followed by the angelfish, to reduce the chance the angelfish see the tank as their territory.
If you don’t want your angelfish to eat your black neon tetras, you should put them in a bigger fish tank, especially since black neon tetras are also pretty active. You can also give your black neon tetras places to hide by adding driftwood, decorations, stones, and plants. Also, make sure to feed them well, especially your angelfish, so it won’t eat your black neon tetras.
Can Red Minor Tetra And Angelfish Live Together?
Many fish keepers like red minor tetras because they are active and their colors look like flames. They are a great addition to any community fish tank because they are beautiful, easy to take care of, and can live in a wide range of water conditions. When they move around your fish tank, they look like tiny arrows of fire swirling around your fish tank.
Red minor tetras and the angelfish can technically live together in the same fish tank because they live in almost the same kind of water. The problem is that red minor tetras will sometimes nip on your angelfish’s flowing fins.
They are also pretty active, which can disturb your angelfish.
When keeping a red minor tetra, you need to keep them in a group of at least six or more. Also, it’s often recommended that you feed the two fishes on separate occasions so angelfish won’t fight your tetras. Put your red minor tetra and angelfish in a larger fish tank with plenty of plants, decors, stones, or driftwood so your angelfish can have somewhere to hide.
Will Angelfish Attack Neon Tetras?
Yes, they may attack Neon Tetras, as angelfish are known to be territorial and aggressive towards smaller fish. The risk of aggression is higher if the Angelfish are larger than the Neon Tetras and if the tank is too small or overcrowded.
Will Neon Tetras Eat Angelfish Fry?
It is unlikely that Neon Tetras will eat Angelfish fry as they are primarily herbivores and do not have a reputation for eating other fish. However, the small size of Angelfish fry could make them vulnerable to being accidentally consumed by the Neon Tetras.
Can Congo Tetras Live With Angelfish?
Yes, Congo Tetras can generally live with Angelfish as they are peaceful freshwater fish occupying different aquarium levels. However, it is essential to consider the size of the tank, as both species require sufficient space to swim and establish their territories.
Can Serpae Tetras Live With Angelfish?
It is generally not recommended to keep Serpae Tetras with Angelfish as they are known to be fin nippers and may harass the slower-moving Angelfish. Additionally, Serpae Tetras are generally more active and may outcompete the Angelfish for food.
Can Bloodfin Tetras Live With Angelfish?
It is possible, but it is not recommended. Angelfish are known to be predatory and may see the smaller Tetras as food. Additionally, the two species have different water temperatures and pH requirements, making it difficult to maintain a suitable environment for both.
Can Rummy Nose Tetras Live With Angelfish?
Yes, Rummy Nose Tetras can live with Angelfish if there’s enough space and hiding places for the Tetras. However, individual temperaments can vary, so it’s important to monitor them and be prepared to separate them if necessary. Water conditions and diet must also be appropriate for both species.
Can Glowlight Tetras Live With Angelfish?
It’s generally not recommended to keep Glowlight Tetras with Angelfish, as the Angelfish may see the smaller Tetras as food. However, if the tank is large enough and has plenty of hiding places, it’s possible for them to coexist peacefully.
Can Cardinal Tetras Live With Angelfish?
Yes, Cardinal Tetras can live with Angelfish if the tank is large enough and well-planted to provide hiding spots for the Tetras. However, it’s important to monitor their interactions to ensure that the Angelfish don’t prey on the smaller Tetras.
Can Blackskirt Tetras Live With Angelfish?
While it is possible for Blackskirt Tetras to coexist with Angelfish, it is not recommended.. Angelfish are known to be territorial and may view the smaller Blackskirt Tetras as prey or competitors, while Blackskirt Tetras are notorious for nipping at the fins of other fish.
Conclusion
Take care to look out for both fish species and make sure their needs are being met. The result is content and healthy group of fish you can care for and continue to enjoy for a prolonged time.
As their keeper, your job is made simple as both species of fish originate from the same natural habitat. Their tank requirements overlap, and diets are similar, so it’s not a complicated task caring for this community.