Can angelfish live with guppies?
Sometimes, with care Angelfish and guppies can live together only with care.
- Angelfish may eat guppies, especially young or small ones.
- Angelfish is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller guppies.
Side by side
| Angelfish | Guppy | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Temperature | 24–29°C (75–84°F) | 22–27°C (72–81°F) |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 7–8 |
| Minimum tank | 29 gallons (110 L) | 10 gallons (38 L) |
| Group size | Alone (only one male) | 3 or more |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Top |
Shared range: 24–27°C (75–81°F), pH 7–7.5.
Tank size for both
The smallest common tank that fits one angelfish and 3 guppies comfortably is about 29 gallons. Check your own tank in the stocking calculator.
What you need for angelfish and guppies
Sized for a 29 gallon tank with one angelfish and 3 guppies.
Tank and equipment
- 29 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 29 gallons (opens Amazon in a new tab)The water alone weighs about 242 lb (110 kg), before glass, gravel and rock. How to choose
- Adjustable heater, 100 W (opens Amazon in a new tab)Holds about 78 °F (25.5 °C) in a room at 65 °F (18 °C). How to choose
- Aquarium thermometer (opens Amazon in a new tab)Check it daily: heaters can fail stuck on or off. How to choose
- Sponge filter for 40 gallons (opens Amazon in a new tab)Gentle flow, about 60–115 GPH, suits guppies, which prefer slow water. Needs a small air pump. How to choose
- About 45 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 30 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.
- Micro pellets or flakes for small fish (opens Amazon in a new tab)Small enough for tetras, rasboras and other nano fish.
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Better tank mates
For angelfish
Frequently asked questions
Can angelfish live with guppies?
Sometimes, with care. Angelfish may eat guppies, especially young or small ones. Angelfish is semi-aggressive and may bully much smaller guppies.
What size tank do angelfish and guppies need together?
At least 29 gallons for one angelfish and 3 guppies, based on adult size, waste and school size. Bigger is easier.
What temperature suits both angelfish and guppies?
Keep the tank at 24–27°C (75–81°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.