Angelfish and tetras can make stunning additions to community aquariums when properly selected and cared for. Read on to learn how to successfully keep these two popular tropical fish species together.
Introducing Angelfish and Tetras
General Information Angelfish and Tetras
- Origins: Angelfish from South America, tetras from South America and Africa. Both inhabit slow moving streams and pools.
- Size: Angelfish 6-8 inches, tetras 1-2 inches generally.
- Lifespan: Angelfish 10+ years with proper care, tetras 3-5 years typically.
- Temperament: Angelfish can be mildly aggressive, tetras are peaceful community fish.
- Appearance: Angelfish have triangular shaped bodies and long fins. Tetras have small, colorful bodies and short fins.
- Varieties: Angelfish – silver, black, gold. Tetras – neon, cardinal, rummynose, emperor, etc.
- Price: Angelfish $5-$15 each, tetras $2-$5 each.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitats: Slow moving rivers, streams, tributaries, and floodplain pools in South America. Soft, acidic waters.
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for angelfish, 10 gallons for tetras.
- Water Parameters: Temperature 72-82°F, pH 6.0-7.2, soft water.
- Tank Setup: Planted tank, open swimming space, driftwood and rock structures. Fine gravel substrate.
Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous, will eat flakes, pellets, frozen and live foods. Tetras eat smaller foods.
- Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily. Tetras need smaller, more frequent meals.
Foods:
- High quality cichlid pellets or flakes
- Freeze dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
- Daphnia, mosquito larvae, tubifex worms
- Blanched vegetables
Breeding
- Angelfish: Form pairs, lay eggs on flat surfaces. Parents care for eggs and fry.
- Tetras: Schooling fish, no parental care. Scatter non-adhesive eggs among plants.
- Breeding tanks needed, conditioned with soft, acidic water in the 70s F.
Health Concerns Angelfish and Tetras
- Both sensitive to water quality. Prone to ich and parasitic infections.
- Overfeeding can cause bloating and constipation.
- Aggression between angelfish or predation on tetras if crowded.
- Use quarantine, varied diets, efficient filtration, routine water changes.
Special Considerations Angelfish and Tetras
- Compatibility: Avoid fin nippers with angels’ long fins. Neons prone to nipping. Some angels may eat smaller tetras.
- Special Care: Regular water testing, partial water changes, high quality foods. Proper selection of species.
- Legalities: None.
Suitable Tankmates:
- Medium sized tetras
- Corydoras catfish
- Medium plecos
- Dwarf gourami
- Mollies
- Swordtails
- Silver dollars
Identifying Sex Differences
- Angelfish: Males are smaller with pointed dorsal, females larger with rounded dorsal.
- Tetras: Females fuller bodied, males slender. Color less prominent in females.
Species counts:
80+ tetra species, 4 angelfish species (Pterophyllum).
Enhancing colors:
Provide a nutritious, varied diet. Keep water clean through partial water changes.
Maximum size:
Angelfish 6-8″, tetras around 2″ on average.
Growth rate:
Slow growing, angelfish reach full size in 12-24 months. Tetras within first year.
Longevity:
Angelfish over 10 years, tetras 3-5 years generally.
Caring for them:
Give regular feedings, maintain water quality, have moderate lighting and plants. Select proper compatible species.
Recommended foods:
Omega One pellets, Hikari micro pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp.
Suitable pets?
Yes, if provided with a sufficiently sized, well-maintained aquarium. Not for tiny tanks.
Preventing death:
Maintain high water quality, stable parameters, give nutritious foods, use quarantine.
Aggression?
Angelfish can be mildly aggressive toward each other. Tetras are peaceful.
Will they kill other fish?
Angelfish may eat small tetras. Mostly only aggression toward their own species.
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