Angel Fish in a 55

[csmith]

Can anyone give me an idea on how many angels can be reasonably put into a 55 gallon, moderately planted tank? I've seen between 2-8 and that's quite a difference between numbers. I also plan on throwing in some of the larger tetras, maybe some hatchets. I'm more focused on the angels than the others for now. I don't care about breeding pairs, so that isn't really an issue.

 

[Tug]

I have two in a 20 gallon tall. They would be a lot happier in a 55 gallon. More importantly, the other fish would be much happier. I do not know if I would keep more then 4 in a 55 gallon. If you are looking at keeping a community tank you might think about keeping only two Angels. As I understand it they like a two foot long area to themselves when they breed. My two Cents. Maybe someone can be of more assistance.

 

[dutchy]

I agree with Tug. I have two in my 53 gallon and you will see that it's about the limit. Even 4 is going to be cramped when they are fully grown. If they start to breed they get kind of territorial and where can the other fish go?

Regards,
dutchy

 

[Gerryd]

Hi,

I think Tug has it right. I had 4 in a 55 some time ago and the breeding pair kept 90% of the tank for themselves.

All the other fish were stuck on one end...........

 

[shoggoth43]

I usually see something like 1 fish per ten to fifteen gallons. However, whether or not you care about a breeding pair, the fish certainly will. A pair will easily claim a 2 foot cube with no problems. In my old 75 the big one would shoot across the tank with no problem to hit another fishn presumably just in case it was getting ideas. If you want to do this, be prepared to plant large plants as view blocks and possibly chabge things around from time to time to keep a level playing field.

Also, the more you have in there the more likely you'll be to have a breeding pair.

-
S

Can anyone give me an idea on how many angels can be reasonably put into a 55 gallon, moderately planted tank? I've seen between 2-8 and that's quite a difference between numbers. I also plan on throwing in some of the larger tetras, maybe some hatchets. I'm more focused on the angels than the others for now. I don't care about breeding pairs, so that isn't really an issue.

 

[csmith]

Two it is. Seeing as there isn't a larger group to disperse the aggression, will the one constantly bully the other? I'm looking for something nice to look at, not aquatic Fight Club.

 

[dutchy]

Most of the time there is one that is dominant, you can notice that with competition for food. I have not seen constant bullying amongst angelfish. If you are lucky and get a male and female they are very peaceful and interactive.

regards,
dutchy

 

[Tug]

If I were to tell you the female is dominant would it surprise anyone.

I'm actually not sure which one is dominant. Mine are pretty happy together. Some things to do that help. It is nice if your LFS has already paired them or just look for pairs when you shop around. Also, having a dither fish in the tank helps. A school of Rasbora espei will act as attractive dithers for an Angelfish.

My Angelfish get along with three Oto cats and I am looking for a red-lizard catfish. One behavioral pattern I noticed when I turned on an actinic bulb at the end of the day. I have my suspicions that this can encourage breeding and every night it comes on they lock lips in a kissing fashion.

 

[dutchy]

every night it comes on they lock lips in a kissing fashion.

Or fighting fashion