Can angelfish live with discus?
Sometimes, with care Angelfish and discus can live together only with care.
- Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 28–29°C).
Side by side
| Angelfish | Discus | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Temperature | 24–29°C (75–84°F) | 28–30°C (82–86°F) |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 6–7 |
| Minimum tank | 29 gallons (110 L) | 75 gallons (284 L) |
| Group size | Alone (only one male) | 5 or more |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
Shared range: 28–29°C (82–84°F), pH 6–7.
Tank size for both
The smallest common tank that fits one angelfish and 5 discus comfortably is about 75 gallons. Check your own tank in the stocking calculator.
What you need for angelfish and discus
Sized for a 75 gallon tank with one angelfish and 5 discus.
Tank and equipment
- 75 gallon aquarium (tank or kit) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Bigger tanks are more stable and easier for beginners. How to choose
- Aquarium stand for 75 gallons (opens Amazon in a new tab)The water alone weighs about 626 lb (284 kg), before glass, gravel and rock. How to choose
- 2 adjustable heaters, 200 W each (opens Amazon in a new tab)Holds about 83 °F (28.5 °C) in a room at 65 °F (18 °C). Two heaters keep the tank warm if one fails. How to choose
- Aquarium thermometer (opens Amazon in a new tab)Check it daily: heaters can fail stuck on or off. How to choose
- Hang-on-back filter rated 300–450 GPH (opens Amazon in a new tab)Community tank: 4–6 times the tank volume per hour. How to choose
- About 100 lb of aquarium gravel (opens Amazon in a new tab)Enough for a layer about 2 in (5 cm) deep. Smooth gravel suits most community fish. How to choose
- Water conditioner (dechlorinator) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water. Seachem Prime is a popular, concentrated choice. How to choose
- Liquid test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Liquid kits are more accurate than strips. The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the common choice. How to choose
- Gravel vacuum (siphon) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Cleans the gravel and does the water change in one go. How to choose
- LED aquarium light, about 48 in long (opens Amazon in a new tab)Match the light to the tank length. Basic LEDs grow easy plants. How to choose
Food and extras
- Cichlid pellets (opens Amazon in a new tab)Larger pellets for cichlids and other big fish.
- Indian almond leaves (opens Amazon in a new tab)Release tannins that soft-water fish like bettas and rams enjoy.
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Better tank mates
For angelfish
Frequently asked questions
Can angelfish live with discus?
Sometimes, with care. Their temperature ranges barely overlap (only around 28–29°C).
What size tank do angelfish and discus need together?
At least 75 gallons for one angelfish and 5 discus, based on adult size, waste and school size. Bigger is easier.
What temperature suits both angelfish and discus?
Keep the tank at 28–29°C (82–84°F), where both are comfortable.
Verdicts come from our compatibility rules and researched species data. Individual fish vary, so add new fish gradually and watch them closely. Check other pairs in the compatibility checker.