If you’re wondering why can’t goldfish and angelfish live together, then you’ve found the right article. In this article, not only will you find out all the reasons they can’t live together, you’ll also learn which fish you can keep with them!
So keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
Why Can’t Angelfish And Goldfish Live Together?
Angelfish and goldfish can’t live with each other for a number of reasons. First of all they have different temperature requirements. And if that isn’t enough, angelfish can be quite aggressive, and may end up attacking your goldfish if you put them in the same tank (depending on their size.
(Don’t worry just yet, here are some alternative tank mates for your goldfish!)
Angelfish And Goldfish Temperature Differences
When it comes to keeping fish, water temperature is a critical factor to consider. Goldfish and Angelfish are two popular species that have different temperature requirements, which makes them incompatible tank mates.
Goldfish Temperature
Goldfish prefer a water temperature between 62-74°F (20-23°C) and can tolerate fluctuations in temperature. However, sudden changes in temperature can cause stress and illness in goldfish.
Angelfish Temperature
On the other hand, Angelfish prefer a warmer water temperature between 78-84°F (25-29°C), making them more suited to tropical aquariums. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and can experience stress and illness if the water is too cold.
Because of these differences in temperature requirements, it’s not recommended to house Goldfish and Angelfish together in the same tank.
Mixing these species could lead to stress, illness, and even death for one or both of the fish. It’s important to research the temperature requirements of any fish species before adding them to your aquarium and to choose compatible tank mates to ensure the health and happiness of each fish.
Differences In pH Needs Between Angelfish And Goldfish
Goldfish
Water pH levels are also important to consider when choosing tank mates for your goldfish. Goldfish prefer a pH level between 6.5 – 7.5, which is slightly alkaline. They can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, but sudden fluctuations can cause stress and illness.
Angelfish
Water pH levels are an important factor to consider when selecting tank mates for your angelfish. Angelfish prefer a pH level between 6.5-7.1, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
They are sensitive to changes in pH levels and can experience stress and illness if the water becomes too alkaline. It is important to maintain a consistent pH level in the tank to ensure the health and well-being of your angelfish.
Feeding Habits In Angelfish And Goldfish
Feeding habits are an important factor to consider when keeping fish in an aquarium. Different species have different dietary requirements, and it’s important to provide them with the appropriate foods to ensure their health and wellbeing.
Goldfish:
Goldfish are omnivores and have a hearty appetite, making them relatively easy to feed in captivity. They can eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and vegetables, and should be fed small amounts of food multiple times a day to prevent overeating.
Angelfish:
Angelfish are primarily carnivores in the wild, but in captivity, they have adapted to being fed a mix of plant and animal-based foods, making them omnivores.
They prefer a diet of live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms, but can also be fed flakes and pellets. Angelfish have a more selective appetite and may refuse to eat certain foods, so it’s important to offer a variety of options to ensure they receive proper nutrition.
Size And Aggression
One of the most important things to consider when keeping fish together is there individual sizes and aggression. This is where issues between goldfish and angelfish truly begin.
Goldfish Size & Aggression
When it comes to size and aggression, goldfish are generally peaceful creatures that can live with other fish of similar size and temperament. In fact, goldfish can grow extremely large in the right conditions, reaching up to 16 inches in length
However, they can become territorial and aggressive towards smaller fish, so it’s important to monitor their behavior and make sure they are not harassing or harming other fish in the tank.
Angelfish Size & Aggression
Angelfish, on the other hand, are known to be aggressive and territorial. They can become aggressive towards other fish, especially those of similar size or shape.
In general you can expect your angelfish to grow between 4-8 inches in length
It’s important to keep them in a larger tank with plenty of hiding spots to prevent territorial disputes. Additionally, introducing angelfish to a tank with other established fish can be difficult, as they may view the other fish as a threat to their territory.
Overall, it’s important to consider the size and aggression of both goldfish and angelfish when choosing tank mates. Ensuring that fish are of similar size and temperament can help prevent aggression and territorial behavior, and providing ample hiding spots can give fish a space to retreat and feel safe.
Tank Mates For Goldfish And Angelfish
Choosing the right tank mates for your fish is crucial for creating a harmonious aquarium environment. Fortunately, even though these fish can’t live together here are some of the best tank mates for Goldfish and Angelfish.
Tank Mates for Goldfish
- Rosy Barb:
Rosy Barb is a peaceful fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including the slightly alkaline pH preferred by goldfish. They are also fast swimmers, making them a good match for active goldfish.
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow:
White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small and peaceful fish that can thrive in a cooler water temperature. They are also compatible with the slightly alkaline pH preferred by goldfish.
- Zebra Danio:
Zebra Danio is a fast-swimming and active fish that can tolerate the cooler water temperature and slightly alkaline pH preferred by goldfish. They are also peaceful and can coexist well with goldfish.
- Cory Catfish:
Cory Catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish that can help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and other debris. They are also peaceful and can tolerate the cooler water temperature preferred by goldfish.
Tank Mates For Angelfish
- Neon Tetra:
Neon Tetra is a small and peaceful fish that can thrive in the slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred by angelfish. They are also compatible with the warmer water temperature preferred by angelfish.
- Harlequin Rasbora:
Harlequin Rasbora are peaceful fish that can tolerate the slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred by angelfish. They are also compatible with the warmer water temperature preferred by angelfish.
- Dwarf Gourami:
Dwarf Gourami are small and peaceful fish that can thrive in the slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred by angelfish. They are also compatible with the warmer water temperature preferred by angelfish.
- Cory Catfish:
Cory Catfish are bottom-dwelling fish that can help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and other debris. They are also peaceful and can tolerate the warmer water temperature preferred by angelfish.
- Bolivian Ram:
Bolivian Ram is a peaceful fish that can thrive in the slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred by angelfish. They are also compatible with the warmer water temperature preferred by angelfish. However, they can become territorial during breeding season, so it’s important to keep an eye on them during that time.
Recap
In conclusion, it’s important to choose compatible tank mates for your fish to ensure their health and happiness in the aquarium. Goldfish and angelfish have different temperature, pH, and feeding requirements that make them incompatible for cohabitation in the same tank.
When it comes to tank mates for goldfish, suitable companions include other cold-water fish species such as minnows, dojo loaches, and hillstream loaches. These species have similar temperature and pH requirements and are generally peaceful, making them good companions for goldfish.
For angelfish, compatible tank mates include other peaceful tropical fish species such as tetras, gouramis, and corydoras catfish. These fish have similar temperature and pH requirements, and they are also peaceful, which can help reduce stress and aggression in the aquarium.
Remember, when introducing new fish to your aquarium, it’s important to monitor their behavior closely and ensure that they are getting the right nutrition and water conditions. By choosing compatible tank mates, you can create a thriving and peaceful community of fish in your aquarium.