Angelfish tank size
A 55 gallon is the usual minimum for a small group; a 75 gallon meets the full footprint Seriously Fish recommends.
Angelfish are tall, up to 6 inches long and taller than that with fins, so they need height as well as length. Seriously Fish gives a base of 100 x 40 cm (about 39 x 16 inches). A 55 gallon is long enough but only 13 inches front to back, so it passes with a note. The 75 gallon, 48 x 18 inches, meets the footprint outright, as does the less common 60 gallon breeder, which shares its footprint. Angelfish squabble among themselves, so keep either a bonded pair or a group of 5 or 6.
How many angelfish fit in each tank
Counts are for a tank with nothing else in it, from the same model as the stocking calculator.
| Tank | Length x width | Meets the footprint | Most on their own |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Gallon | 16 x 8 in | Under | – |
| 10 Gallon | 20 x 10 in | Under | – |
| 15 Gallon | 24 x 12 in | Under | – |
| 20 Gallon Long | 30 x 12 in | Under | – |
| 20 Gallon High | 24 x 12 in | Under | – |
| 29 Gallon | 30 x 12 in | Under | – |
| 40 Gallon Breeder | 36 x 18 in | Close | up to 5 * |
| 55 Gallon | 48 x 13 in | Close | up to 6 * |
| 75 Gallon | 48 x 18 in | Yes | up to 6 |
| 125 Gallon | 72 x 18 in | Yes | up to 6 |
Footprint is the Seriously Fish minimum base of 39 x 16 in. “Close” is within 20%. * Fits by volume, but the footprint is under the recommendation.
The smallest tank that meets the footprint
60 Gallon Breeder: 48 x 18 x 16 inches.
Angelfish at a glance
| Adult size | about 5.9 in |
|---|---|
| Minimum base | 39 x 16 in |
| Temperature | 75 to 86°F |
| pH | 6.0 to 7.4 |
| Group | loose groups, no minimum |
Tank mates
They are generally peaceful cichlids but will eat fish small enough to swallow, including neon tetras. Larger tetras such as bleeding hearts, plus corydoras, suit them. Avoid fin nippers.
Seriously Fish: Generally peaceful cichlid; may squabble with its own kind, best in small groups. Good community fish but may eat small fish such as tetras.
Mixes with angelfish that pass the check
- 75 Gallon: angelfish with bleeding heart tetras and corydoras87% stocked
4 × Angelfish, 10 × Bleeding heart tetra, 8 × Sterba's cory.
Common questions
What size tank does an angelfish need?
Seriously Fish gives a minimum base of 100 x 40 cm, about 39 x 16 in. The smallest standard tank that meets it is the 60 gallon breeder.
What temperature and pH do angelfish need?
75 to 86°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.4, by Seriously Fish.
How big do angelfish get?
About 5.9 inches (150 mm) as adults, by Seriously Fish.
Can angelfish live in a 29 gallon tank?
Not for long. A 29 gallon is 30 x 12 inches, well under the 39 x 16 inch base Seriously Fish recommends, and our calculator flags it. Plan on a 55 or 75.
How many angelfish fit in a 55 gallon tank?
Up to 6 by volume, but the 13 inch width is under the recommended footprint. A 75 gallon suits a group of 6 better.
Gear for an angelfish tank
Searches on Amazon for the right size. Check the tank size or flow rating on the listing before you buy.
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Sources: Seriously Fish. Scientific name Pterophyllum "scalare".