Angelfish and Gouramis are both freshwater fish, but can angelfish live with gouramis in the same tank?
Will they get along? Will they fight?
Find out below.
Can Angelfish Live With Gouramis?
Yes, Angelfish and gouramis are compatible tank mates that can live in the same tank peacefully. But at times they can be aggressive towards each other when they are ill or pregnant.
So I recommend to keep a frequent eye on them for the first few weeks they are together to make sure they are all getting along ok.
You also need to know that not all species of gouramis are suitable tank mates.
Decorations are also useful in the tank. You can make use of broadleaves, driftwoods, and other plants to decorate the tank.
The plants do not only decorate the tank; they also serve as protection during aggressive times. You can also add substrates to the tank to encourage forage.
Conditions for Angelfish
As much as the gourami needs specific water requirements, the angelfish also require some conditions to thrive well in a tank. You also have to liken the aquarium for the angelfish to their natural habitat.
You have some water conditions to check out to ensure the good health of your fish.
- Temperature: The temperature of the water for your angelfish is an essential factor to consider. Although angelfish are hardy, you also have to make living easy for them. The temperature of the water should range from 78°F to 84°F for them to thrive in good health.
- pH: The pH of the water is also very crucial. The water’s pH should not be too acidic; neither should it be too alkaline; it has to be moderate or very close to being neutral. The water’s pH should range from 6.8 to 7.8, stating that it should either be slightly acidic or slightly alkaline, or best, neutral.
- Hardness: Hardwater can hurt your fish, especially when it has extreme values. It might not be an immediate effect like the other factors; it might be gradual and damaging. Ensure your water’s hardness should lie in the range of 30 to 80dKH, equivalent to 54 to 145ppm.
Conditions for Gouramis
Thriving in an unknown environment can be devastating for fishes at times. But likening the new environment to their natural or previous habitat will make the fish’s system synchronize with the conditions.
To liken their environment to their habitat, you have to consider their water requirements and provide the necessary conditions.
- Water temperature: This is a crucial factor to consider when comparing the aquarium to their habitat. Knowing the exact temperature the gouramis need will guide you in providing the right temperature in their tank. The temperature for the water should fall between 75°F and 80°F with the ideal temperature of 78°F. Ensure you maintain this temperature to keep your fish in good health. You can also keep track of the temperature using a thermometer.
- Hardness of the water: The water’s hardness is also an essential factor to put into consideration. Putting your gourami in hard water with extreme values can pose a threat to its good health. The health of your fish is vital, so you should put the hardness into consideration. Water with a hardness value of 30 to 80dKH, equivalent to 50 to 140ppm, is suitable for your gourami. You may exceed this value, but it shouldn’t be by a wide margin.
- The pH of the Water: The pH represents the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Consider how acidic or alkaline the water is before putting your gourami in it. We all know the danger an acidic or alkaline substance can pose to humans, not to talk of fish. The water’s pH should be around 6.8 to 7.8, which means slightly acidic, slightly basic, and neutral water are suitable for them.
Other Angelfish Tank Mates Can Be
Angelfish are very easy to take care of, and they exhibit fascinating personal traits. These fish are easy going (can be aggressive) and can accommodate several tank mates without any problem.
However, if you add an incompatible fish to the tank, the angelfish can start displaying aggression that will require you to remove the fish, or you lose either the fish or the angelfish, or in rare cases, both.
Listed below are suitable tank mates for your angelfish;
- Platies: Platies are colorful, friendly, and hardy fish that are very easy to breed in aquariums. They are suitable tank mates for angelfish.
Corydoras catfish: Corydoras catfish are popular freshwater fish that have a peaceful temperament and are very timid and shy. They are compatible tank mates of angelfish. They love to move in a group, so you should get at least two to three of them. - Bristlenose pleco: Plecos are very easy to care for and are very peaceful. They are bottom feeders, and they mostly feed on leftovers and algae. Plecos are great tank mates of angelfish.
- Dwarf gouramis: Gouramis are colorful fish that make great tank mates of angelfish. Dwarf gouramis are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide temperature range and are very peaceful. You also have to keep watch on them to be alert of odd behaviors.
- German blue ram cichlids: The German blue cichlid is one of the cichlids compatible with the angelfish. They are unique and have peaceful personalities that contradict their fierce appearance.
- Swordtails: Swordtails are playful, colorful, and lively fish that are similar to platies. These fish are livebearers, which means they give birth to their offspring alive. They are not very temperamental and can stay in the same tank as angelfish.
Conclusion
If you look closely, you will discover that the angelfish and gourami have closely related water conditions.
This phenomenon makes it suitable for them to live in the same tank. Compatible fishes do not have problems staying together in large tanks as far as they have the same water conditions.
Table of Contents
