Angel Tankmates?

[jaywings19]

I'm planning a new tank and have never owned Angel fish.

I know that Angel fish typically eat neon tetras in the wild. However, I've read that Angels can be "conditioned" if introduced while they are very small because neons won't fit in their mouth. Is that true? Is that a long-term solution or only short-term until they get bigger than the neons?

Also... do Angels only eat neon tetras? Or other types of tetras as well? How about rasboras which are about the same size at neons?

Sorry, for all the questions at once. Just trying to learn about Angels from owners with experience, so I don't put my propsective fish in a bad situation.

I know Angels don't get along with Danios and Gouramis. Any other bad combinations with Angels?

 

[missyintx_99]

What size tank and how many angels are you thinking of getting? I have one tank with nothing but angels (with the exception of 1 pleco and one panda cory).
(Just lost one of my biggest ones. I think she just died of old age, but it still broke my heart)

 

[jaywings19]

What size tank and how many angels are you thinking of getting? I have one tank with nothing but angels (with the exception of 1 pleco and one panda cory).
(Just lost one of my biggest ones. I think she just died of old age, but it still broke my heart)

It's going to be a 72G bow front tank.

Prospective tankmates:

2-3 angels (small)
4-6 corys
4-6 barbs (rosy and/or cherry)
6-8 tetras (neon and/or other)
4-6 rasboras
1 rainbow shark
1-2 dwarf plecos or just 1 medium sized
1-2 gouramis

I believe these fish are compatible so far... and the tank wouldn't be overstocked.

Any other suggestions what I can add to this mix?

 

[Lateral Line]

As soon as an angel fish is large enough to eat a smaller fish - it will, and no, it won't check to see if it is a neon first. The theory that angels, (etc.), won't regard them as food because they never have is pure fantasy.

 

[sandyd]

If you have your heart set on tetras, then i would think the black skirts would be fine with them. They can get a bit nippy though, but when full grown they will most likely not be a snack. I have mine in with tiger barbs, and they stand up for themselves in there. Good luck, and let us know what you decide to put in there.
Sandy

 

[aernympha]

get cardinals there biggger and i don't think they can fit into an angelfish's mouth and they look partically the same or even better than neons!!!(i think) so go for cardinals

 

[Cian McLiam]

For some good info on keeping angels and specifically info on keeping them with small fish, read angels west hatchery's web page here.
They have found much the same as I have, that angels rarely attack small fish they are used to, if given proper terittory and well fed. Mine are quite happy to share mealtimes with the neons when I spread the food across the tank. The neons rarely schoal now and obviously are not living in a state of fear!
Im not guaranteeing you will find the same, my angels have shared with neons since they were 1" and Ive never lost one yet.

Ken

 

[KimmyFishy89]

Bleeding hearts are lovely, and they are large for tetras

The angelfish WILL eat neon tetras. If it can fit in it's mouth, you can kiss it goodbye

 

[jaywings19]

Thank you all for the helpful information. I'll stick to the larger tetra varieties just to be on the safe side.