Angelfish and Tiger Barbs are both beautiful. Whereas Angelfish can be kept with various other fishes, the Tiger Barbs have various restrictions. As a result, there are many doubts about keeping them together.
Can Angelfish live with Tiger Barbs? The short answer is No. You cannot keep Angelfish with Tiger Barbs, and the main reason is that Tiger Barbs tend to nip other fish, which can make Angelfish aggressive. However, their tank requirements are also not the same.
In this article, I will provide various insightful information regarding the differences and similarities between Angelfish and Tiger Barbs. You will get an overall idea about the compatibility between Angelfish and Tiger Barb.
In addition to that, you will get to know various facts about Angelfish and Tiger Barbs. So, what are you waiting for? Let us get started.
Differences Between Angelfish And Tiger Barbs
Let us first get an overview of Angelfish and Tiger Barbs by comparing the differences. The chart below will help you understand the differences between Angelfish and Tiger Barbs;
| Categories | Angelfish | Tiger Barbs |
| Origin | South America | Borneo and Malaysia |
| Family | Cichlidae | Cyprinidae |
| Size | 3 – 4 inches | 2 – 3 inches |
| Care Level | Easy | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful but can show aggression | Semi-Aggressive |
| Diet | Omnivorous | Omnivorous |
| Food Preferences | Meat-based foods | Vegetable-based foods |
| Water Temperature | 78 – 84 Degrees Fahrenheit | 75 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water Hardness | 4 – 12 dGH | up to 10 dGH |
| pH Level | 6.8 – 7.8 | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Minimum Tank size | 20 Gallons | 30 Gallons |
| Lifespan | 10 – 12 years | 5 – 7 years |
Are Angelfish And Tiger Barbs Compatible?
To be honest, I don’t recommend keeping Angelfish and Tiger Barbs in the same tank. When the behaviors of Angelfish and Tiger Barbs were compared, it was clear that they were not the perfect match.
Tiger Barbs are fin nippers which will not only cause injury to Angelfish but will also make them aggressive. They might also cause the death of the beautiful Angelfish.
Moreover, they both are territorial and can get aggressive when it comes to protecting the territory. Many times, such behavior can also cause death.
You might have also noticed the tank requirements, water parameters, and the diet chart of both the fish are dissimilar. For these reasons, you should avoid keeping Angelfish and Tiger Barbs together in the same tank.
I would suggest you find some suitable tank mates so that all the fish can live peacefully without harming each other.
Why Shouldn’t You Keep Angelfish And Tiger Barbs Together?
There are various things that suggest Angelfish and Tiger Barbs should not be kept together and require separate tanks.
The reasons for keeping Angelfish and Tiger Barbs separately are down below;
1. They Need Different Water Temperature:
Angelfish and Tiger Barbs both require different temperatures. Whereas Angelfish needs 78 – 84 Degrees Fahrenheit, the Tiger Barbs will require 75 – 80 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, the Tiger Barbs will need warmer water compared to Angelfish. But providing different temperatures for two different fish kept in the same tank is impossible.
As a result, you will have to keep them in separate tanks.
2. Both are Aggressive In Nature
Although it is claimed that Angelfish are peaceful and Tiger Barbs are semi-aggressive, you will notice them fighting and hurting each other more often.
Both might become aggressive when they feel like their territory will be captured by the other one.
Recommended Article: Do Angelfish Eat Other Fish?
3. Nipping Behavior Of Tiger Barbs
Tiger Barbs have the tendency to nip other fishes, which can influence Angelfish to attack them back and damage the overall aquatic environment.
4. Differences In Nutrition & Diet
Angelfish mostly prefer meat food, whereas Tiger Barbs will prefer vegetable foods. Yes, there are a few common foods that they both can share. But they will not be able to share all the food.
5. Requires Different Ph Level
Maintaining the pH level is mandatory for keeping both angelfish and tiger barbs. The water pH level needs to be perfect. If not properly maintained, you will see them suffer and die eventually.
Here, the Angelfish prefers slightly alkaline water (7 – 7.8), and the Tiger Barbs will prefer acidic (6-7 pH) water with a lower pH level. As a result, it is not recommended to keep them together.
What Fish Can Live Peacefully With Angelfish?
When it comes to Angelfish, you can find numerous suitable tank mates which will stay friendly with the Angelfish.
The list of ten fish that are compatible with Angelfish;
- Guppies
- Corydora Catfish
- Mollies
- Lemon Tetras
- Kuhli Loach
- Platies
- Bristlenose Plecos
- Swordtails
- Keyhole Cichlids
- Dwarf Gourami
Remember to avoid keeping aggressive or fin nippers along with Angelfish. That is, you should avoid Tiger Barbs or Tetra fish.
What Fish Can Tiger Barbs Live With?
There are a bunch of fish that can live peacefully with Tiger Barbs. Let me provide you with the list.
The list of ten fish that are compatible with Tiger Barbs;
- Corydora Catfish
- Zebra Danios
- Cherry Barb
- Pictus Catfish
- Platies
- Mollies
- Rosy Barb
- Gouramis
- Swordtails
- Plecos
Remember, Bettas, Goldfish, Guppies, and Angelfish are not compatible with Tiger Barbs. Accordingly, try to avoid them when you are to find suitable tank mates for Tiger Barbs.
Related Questions:
Will Tiger Barbs Eat Other Fish?
Tiger Barbs are not carnivores; rather, they are omnivores and prefer to eat vegetable-based food. However, they tend to eat other small fishes soon after they are hatched. But you will never notice them eating other fish on a regular basis.
Can Cherry Barbs Live With Angelfish?
Undoubtedly, you can keep Cherry Barbs with Angelfish. Unlike other Barbs, Cherry Barbs are not aggressive and do not have the tendency to attack other fish. The only requirement is you need to keep them in school with other fish.
You need to keep them in a spacious tank and provide adequate plants and substrates. Since Angelfish are territorial, you will need a larger tank to avoid fighting.
What Barbs Are Peaceful?
There are numerous types of Barbs available in the tank, from which some are semi-aggressive and have the habit of nipping. You will find the other as suitable tank mates for any fish—for example, Cherry Barbs, Pentazona Barbs, Gold Barbs, and many more.
How Many Angelfish Should Be Kept Together?
You can keep two Angelfish together. However, it is suggested to keep at least two to three pairs of Angelfish together.
Recommended Article: Can Angelfish Be Kept Alone?
Can I Put Guppies With Angelfish?
Guppies are small and peaceful, but you will find Angelfish can be aggressive and tend to eat other small fish present in the tank. As a result, keeping Guppies and Angelfish together is not a good idea.
