A community aquarium is a tank populated with different varieties of fish. Of course, not all freshwater fish for tanks get along well with each other. Any fish that can eat another fish, will eat another fish. The ideal freshwater community tank has types of fish that cohabit together peacefully. Both the altum and scalare angelfish are mostly peaceful fish. Although they can be territorial at times, and may eat the occasional small tank mate, they are still excellent types of fish for community aquariums. Freshwater angelfish look spectacular as community freshwater tank fish and as the main attraction in a community tank.
Facts About Angelfish Behavior
Angelfish are cichlids. Normally cichlids are aggressive fish, but angels tend to be timid and like quiet tanks with gentle water movement. As a species, they are good in a community tank, but some individuals may become too aggressive for a community tank. Some will become nippers, and bite at smaller fish. Like any other fish, they will eat anything that fits in their mouth. As they grow bigger, they will be able to eat bigger fish. A full grown scalare angelfish can eat a small neon tetra.
About Angelfish in a Community Tank
Angelfish are mid swimmers, fish that swim in the middle of the tank. The angelfish community tank will appear most active by populating with fish for tanks that swim at the top and bottom of the tank.
Compatible Fish for Tanks with Angelfish
As a rule, the following fish are compatible tank mates for angelfish. Bloodfin and cardinal tetras, gourmais, platies, swordtails, mollies, corydous and plecostomus catfish are possible choices for tankmates. Hatchet and butterfly fish are top dwellers and jumpers. The tank needs a tight top to keep them in. Barbs are small fish that are nippers. Tiger barbs are notorious nippers and not suitable for an angelfish tank.
Individual situations vary. Some freshwater angelfish are too aggressive for a community tank. Remember, they are cichlids. The fish for tanks with angelfish discussed normally are agreeable to a community tank, but some individuals may not be. Experienced hobbyists have individual stories of fish that should live together that won’t. When keeping fish, there isn’t a rule that doesn’t have an exception.