Plants for Angelfish Tank
Find the best live plants for your angelfish tank. Explore hardy, beautiful options like Amazon Swords & Anubias that provide natural shelter. Setup guide included.
When aquarists talk about "angelfish," they could be referring to two completely different groups of fish. Your first step is to identify which world you're exploring. Are you looking for the popular freshwater angelfish native to South America, or the brilliantly colored saltwater (marine) angelfish that inhabit the world's oceans? From the graceful giants of the Amazon to the vibrant jewels of coral reefs, your journey into the world of angelfish starts here.
| Aspect | Freshwater Angelfish | Saltwater Angelfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific group | Pterophyllum (Family: Cichlidae) | Family: Pomacanthidae (e.g., Centropyge, Pomacanthus, Holacanthus) |
| Adult size | Body ~6 in (15 cm); total height with fins up to 10–12 in (25–30 cm) | Dwarfs 3–4 in (7–10 cm); large species 10–18 in (25–45 cm) |
| Lifespan | 8–12+ years with good care | Dwarfs ~5–7 years; large species 10–20+ years |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive cichlid; territorial when pairing/spawning | Territorial grazers; can be bold and dominant |
| Minimum tank size | ≥ 29 gal (tall) single; ≥ 55 gal for pair/group | ≥ 75 gal for many dwarfs; ≥ 120–180+ gal for large angels |
| Water parameters | pH 6.5–7.5; 76–82°F (24–28°C); soft to moderate hardness | SG 1.023–1.026; pH 8.1–8.4; 74–78°F (23–26°C) |
| Filtration & flow | Good biofiltration; moderate flow (they prefer calmer, tall tanks) | Strong filtration + protein skimmer; moderate–high flow (10–20× turnover) |
| Aquascape | Tall plants, vertical hardscape, open mid-water swimming space | Live rock, caves/overhangs for grazing and shelter |
| Diet | Omnivore: quality flakes/pellets + frozen/live (mysis, brine, bloodworms) | Omnivore: marine pellets/frozen; include algae & sponge-based foods |
More than just another fish, angelfish possess a unique combination of beauty, intelligence, and presence that makes them a centerpiece in any aquarium. Whether freshwater or marine, they command attention and stand out for several key reasons:
With their tall, laterally compressed bodies and long, trailing fins, angelfish have a regal and instantly recognizable silhouette. They don't just swim; they glide through the water with a deliberate grace, creating an underwater ballet that is both calming and captivating to watch.
Angelfish are true "wet pets." As members of the cichlid and pomacanthidae families, they are highly intelligent. They learn to recognize their owners, can become quite bold (often coming to the front of the glass to greet you), and display complex social behaviors. Their semi-territorial nature and dedicated parental care (especially in freshwater species) make them one of the most interactive fish you can keep.
AngelfishTypes.com was founded not just by aquarists, but by lifelong enthusiasts with decades of combined experience. Our mission is born from a shared passion for these incredible fish—from the graceful Pterophyllum of the Amazon to the vibrant Pomacanthidae of the world's coral reefs. We believe that successful fishkeeping is built on accurate, easy-to-understand information. The "AFT Editorial" team is a dedicated group of hobbyists and researchers committed to providing the most reliable and comprehensive guides available, ensuring every aquarist, from beginner to expert, has a trusted source for their journey.
Freshwater angelfish are from the Amazon River basin and belong to the Cichlid family. Saltwater angelfish are from ocean coral reefs and belong to the Pomacanthidae family. They are not related.
There are over 100 different angelfish overall. Most are saltwater species (~85+) in the family Pomacanthidae. Freshwater angelfish include three recognized species, plus many captive-bred varieties (Koi, Marble, Veil, Silver, etc.).
For freshwater angelfish, it is best to keep a single fish, a mated pair, or a larger group of 6+ in a spacious tank to disperse aggression. For saltwater angelfish, they are typically kept singly unless a proven pair can be acquired for a very large aquarium.
Freshwater angelfish prefer soft, acidic water with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature of 76-82°F (24-28°C). Saltwater angelfish require stable marine conditions with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026, pH of 8.1-8.4, and temperature of 74-78°F (23-26°C).
It varies by species. Dwarf angelfish from the Centropyge genus (like the Coral Beauty or Flame Angel) are often considered 'reef-safe with caution' as they may occasionally nip at corals. Larger angels from genera like Pomacanthus are generally not reef-safe.
Both types are omnivores. Their diet should be varied, including high-quality flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms. Marine angels also require foods rich in marine algae and sponge matter.
With proper care, freshwater angelfish can live for 10 years or more. Saltwater angelfish lifespans vary by species, with smaller dwarf angels living around 5-7 years and larger species potentially living over 15 years.
Freshwater angelfish are suitable for beginners who have at least a 29-gallon tall aquarium. Saltwater angelfish are generally considered intermediate to advanced due to the complexities of maintaining a saltwater environment.
Freshwater angelfish are susceptible to common diseases like Ich (white spot disease) and fin rot, often preventable with good water quality. Saltwater angelfish are prone to Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon) and Marine Velvet (Amyloodinium), making a strict quarantine protocol for new fish essential.
Freshwater: a tall 29+ gallon is the starting point for a single angelfish; larger for pairs or groups. Saltwater: 75–120+ gallons depending on species.
No. They come from different environments with incompatible water requirements (fresh vs. marine) and cannot be housed together.
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