Long a
favorite among aquarists, the angelfish is a tall fish that can be kept
in a community setting, as long as its tankmates are not overly
aggressive or habitual fin nippers. Fast-swimming fish may also make an
angelfish nervous and may out-compete it for food. Gouramis in the
genera Colisa and Trichogaster make ideal tankmates,
as do many of the cichlids, such as the festivum and most of the South
American and West African dwarf species. Small tetras like neons should
not be housed with angelfish unless they are intended as food.
Because it is a tall fish, an angelfish should be housed in a
relatively tall tank. It is particularly sensitive to poor water
quality, so efficient filtration (a hang-on-the-back power filter
coupled with a sponge filter is ideal), along with 30 percent biweekly
water changes are a must. It prefers water that is soft and slightly
acidic (pH 5.8 to 6.2). It is a shy cichlid that should be provided with
adequate cover in its tank.
